India abstains from UN vote on Israel-Palestine resolution

India abstained from voting in the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) on Wednesday as the body passed a resolution demanding Israel end its unlawful presence in the occupied Palestinian territories within 12 months.

The resolution, titled "Advisory Opinion of the International Court of Justice on the Legal Consequences Arising from Israel’s Policies and Practices in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem," received 124 votes in favor, 14 against, and 43 abstentions.

Several prominent countries like Australia, Canada, Germany, Italy, Ukraine, the United Kingdom, and Nepal also abstained, while Israel and the United States voted against the resolution. The resolution called on Israel to bring an end to its "unlawful presence" and described Israel’s actions as a "wrongful act of a continuing character," urging compliance with international law.

During the vote, the Palestinian representative to the UN passionately urged the international community to act, stating that "international law is repeatedly violated" and global peace is at risk.

On the other hand, Israel’s ambassador to the UN, Gilad Erdan, dismissed the resolution as a "politically motivated move to undermine Israel’s legitimacy." The US echoed this sentiment, expressing concern that the resolution would escalate tensions in the region instead of contributing to peace.