Recently, India voted in favor of a United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) resolution titled “Peaceful Settlement of the Question of Palestine” .

Key Highlights of the Resolution

• Overwhelming Support for the Resolution: The resolution was adopted with 157 votes in favor, showcasing broad international support.
  • Eight nations, including the United States and Israel, voted against the resolution.
• India’s Position: India supported the resolution, reaffirming its historical commitment to the Palestinian cause and the two-state solution.
• Abstentions: Seven countries, including Cameroon, Czech Republic, Ecuador, Georgia, Paraguay, Ukraine, and Uruguay, abstained from voting.
• Objective of the Resolution:
  • The withdrawal of Israel from territories occupied since 1967, including East Jerusalem.
  • Recognition of the Palestinian people’s inalienable rights, such as the right to self-determination and an independent state.
  • A commitment to the two-state solution based on pre-1967 borders.
  • Gaza Strip: Recognition of Gaza as an integral part of the Palestinian state and rejection of any actions altering Gaza’s territorial integrity.
  • End to Unlawful Actions: A demand for Israel to halt all settlement activities, repeal laws enabling illegal settlements, and evacuate settlers.
• India’s Broader Stance: India’s vote reflects its consistent support for peaceful resolutions and adherence to international law while balancing strategic relationships in the region
• India’s Abstention on ICJ-Linked Resolution: India abstained from a resolution urging Israel to vacate Palestinian territories and imposing punitive sanctions, citing concerns about punitive measures not included in the ICJ opinion.

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Background of Israeli Occupation

• The Israeli occupation began after the Six-Day War of 1967, where Israel captured several territories, including the West Bank, Gaza Strip, East Jerusalem, and the Golan Heights.
• These territories have since been at the heart of the Israel-Palestine conflict, with demands for a Palestinian state and Israel’s withdrawal remaining unresolved.
• The Israeli settlement construction in these territories has been widely criticized as a violation of international law, including the Fourth Geneva Convention which protects civilians during wartime, ensuring humane treatment and basic rights.
• Two-State Solution Framework: A two-state solution envisions Israel and Palestine coexisting peacefully as independent states within the borders established before 1967.
  • The international community largely supports this framework as the basis for lasting peace in the region.
• Resolution on Syrian Golan Heights: The resolution demanded that Israel withdraw from the Syrian Golan Heights to the pre-June 1967 line, in accordance with relevant Security Council directives.
  • It declared Israel’s 1981 decision to impose its laws, jurisdiction, and administration on the Golan Heights as null and void.

India’s Arguments for Voting Decisions

• Support for Palestine and Syrian Golan Resolutions
  • India reaffirmed its longstanding support for a two-state solution as the basis for peace between Israel and Palestine.
  • India emphasized the need for adherence to international law, including the cessation of settlement activities and the recognition of Palestinians’ right to self-determination.
• Abstention on ICJ Resolution
  • India clarified that its abstention was based on concerns over punitive sanctions, arguing that such measures were outside the scope of the ICJ advisory opinion.
  • India emphasized the importance of focusing on efforts to bridge differences between the two sides, rather than actions that may deepen divides.

About UNGA Resolutions

• A UNGA resolution is a formal expression of the opinions or decisions adopted by the General Assembly.
• While being  non-binding, resolutions carry significant political and moral weight as they represent the collective will of the international community.
• Types of Resolutions:
  • Declarations: Statements of principles or intent.
  • Recommendations: Suggestions for actions by member states or UN bodies.
  • Decisions: Relate to procedural or administrative matters.

Process of Voting on UNGA Resolutions

• Drafting: Draft resolutions are prepared by member states, committees, or UN bodies.
  • They can be proposed by individual nations, regional groups, or UN entities.
• Deliberation: The draft resolution is debated in the relevant committee or in the General Assembly.
• Voting: The UNGA typically employs the following voting methods:
  • Show of Hands: A simple and quick method, often used for routine decisions.
  • Recorded Vote: A more formal method where each member state’s vote is recorded individually.
  • Roll-Call Vote: A detailed method where each member state’s vote is called out in alphabetical order.
• Majority Requirements for Different Resolutions:
  • Simple Majority: Most decisions in the UNGA are made by a simple majority of members present and voting. This means that more than 50% of the votes cast must be in favor of the resolution.
  • Two-Thirds Majority: Certain important issues require a two-thirds majority of members present and voting. These issues typically relate to:
    • Recommendations on peace and security
    • Budgetary matters
    • Election of UN officials
    • Admission, suspension, or expulsion of member states
• Adoption: Resolutions adopted by the UNGA become official documents of the United Nations.

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Implications of UNGA Resolutions

• Political Impact: Resolutions reflect the consensus or division among the global community on key issues.
  • They can influence international opinion and policy-making.
• Moral Authority: Though non-binding, they carry moral and political weight, urging member states to act in accordance with international law and shared values.
• Support for Multilateralism: UNGA resolutions reaffirm the commitment of the international community to resolve issues through dialogue and cooperation.
• Precedent for Further Action: Resolutions often serve as a basis for subsequent legally binding agreements or Security Council actions.
• Economic and Social Development: Resolutions support global initiatives in areas like sustainable development, human rights, and poverty eradication.
• Conflict Resolution: They provide frameworks for peacebuilding and conflict resolution, even though their implementation depends on political will and practical feasibility.