India has voted in favour of a United Nations General Assembly draft resolution reaffirming the rights of Palestinians over their natural resources in the occupied territories, including East Jerusalem
India has voted in favour of a United Nations General Assembly draft resolution reaffirming the rights of Palestinians over their natural resources in the occupied territories, including East Jerusalem.
The resolution also upholds the rights of the Arab population in the occupied Syrian Golan over its natural resources.
The Uruguay-sponsored draft received overwhelming support in the General Assembly’s Second Committee during its 81st session on Wednesday.
A total of 151 countries voted in favour, while seven, including the United States and Israel, opposed it. Eleven countries abstained.
The draft will now move to the full General Assembly for consideration and final adoption later in the session. Its passage in the committee reflects broad international support for Palestinian rights over land, water and other resources in territories under occupation.
What does the UN resolution call for?
The resolution urges Israel to stop policies and activities that could change the character, status or demographic composition of the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem.
It also calls on Israel to meet its obligations under international humanitarian law.
The text raises concerns over the exploitation and depletion of natural resources, along with environmental damage caused by activities in occupied areas.
These include waste dumping and damage linked to settler activities.
It also describes the construction of Israeli settlements and the separation wall in the occupied Palestinian territory, including in and around East Jerusalem, as violations of international law that restrict Palestinians’ access to their natural resources.
More from WorldThe draft further calls for an end to the destruction of essential civilian infrastructure, including water pipelines, sewage systems and electricity networks.
It urges the protection of agricultural land and water wells, as well as an end to the demolition or seizure of Palestinian homes and other civilian property.
It also highlights the need to speed up reconstruction and development work in Gaza, where damage to infrastructure has severely affected access to basic services.
The resolution reiterates the need for Israel to comply with the legal obligations outlined in the International Court of Justice’s July 2004 advisory opinion and relevant UN resolutions.
US opposes draft, India backs Palestinian rights
The United States voted against the resolution, arguing that it was one-sided and failed to address the responsibilities of the Palestinian side. The US delegation also maintained that General Assembly resolutions are non-binding and do not change international law.
India’s vote reflects its longstanding support for Palestinian rights at international forums, even as New Delhi has expanded its strategic, defence and technology cooperation with Israel.
India has consistently backed resolutions supporting Palestinian development, humanitarian assistance and the creation of an independent and viable Palestinian state.
Its stated position is that a negotiated two-state solution should allow Palestine and Israel to live side by side in peace and security.