India Backs UN Resolution Denouncing Israeli Settlements In Palestine

India has joined other nations in supporting a United Nations (UN) resolution that denounces Israeli settlements in Palestine.

The resolution, which condemns settlement activities in the "Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, and in the occupied Syrian Golan," was passed on Thursday (9 November).

The United States and Canada were among the seven countries that opposed the resolution, while 18 countries chose to abstain from the vote.

India only recently abstained from a UN vote on a resolution urging a humanitarian truce between Israel and Hamas in Gaza.

The conflict between Israel and Hamas, which began with the attacks on Israel on 7 October, has resulted in a tragic loss of life in Gaza, with over 11,000 people killed.

The Hamas attacks have claimed the lives of approximately 1,200 Israelis, and over 200 individuals have been taken hostage.

As per government sources, India had abstained from the earlier vote despite concerns around the humanitarian crisis in Gaza because of the need for a strong stance against terrorism.

India reportedly voted in favour of the amendment, which received 88 votes but not the necessary two-thirds majority.

India ultimately abstained from the vote because 'not all elements of their approach were included in the final text of the resolution'.

As for the latest resolution, India's Deputy Permanent Representative, Yojna Patel, said New Delhi voted in favour and expressed concern for the hostages, calling for their immediate and unconditional release.

"This humanitarian crisis needs to be addressed. We welcome the international community's de-escalation efforts and delivery of humanitarian assistance to the people of Gaza. India, too, has contributed to this effort," she said.

India has consistently advocated for a two-state solution to the Israel-Palestine conflict, emphasising the need for a sovereign, independent, and viable State of Palestine.

This solution would entail the establishment of secure and recognised borders, allowing for peaceful coexistence alongside Israel.