Syllabus:

GS-2: Important International institutions, agencies and fora- their structure, mandate. 

Context: Recently, the UN General Assembly approved a resolution backing the New York Declaration on the Peaceful Settlement of the Question of Palestine and the implementation of the two-State solution, with India among the 142 countries voting in support.

About the Resolution

• The United Nations General Assembly adopted the resolution titled ‘Endorsement of the New York Declaration on the Peaceful Settlement of the Question of Palestine and the Implementation of the Two-State Solution’, aimed at aimed at securing a peaceful resolution to the decades-long Israeli-Palestinian conflict
• It was adopted at a high-level conference co-chaired by France and Saudi Arabia, which called for collective action to end the war in Gaza.
• Resolution was adopted with an overwhelming 142 nations voting in favour, 10 against and 12 abstentions.
• India was among the 142 nations that voted in favour of the resolution, and those voted against included Argentina, Hungary, Israel and the United States.

Provisions of the Resolution

• Withdrawal of Israel from Palestine: The resolution called for Israel to withdraw from all Palestinian territory occupied since 1967, including East Jerusalem, and reaffirmed the goal of achieving a comprehensive, just, and lasting peace in West Asia.
• Gaza Strip Integral Part of Palestine: The resolution stressed the recognition of Gaza as an integral part of a unified Palestinian state with no occupation, blockade, or forced displacement.
• Cessation of all Acts of Violence: It stressed the need for an immediate and complete cessation of all acts of violence and incitement against Palestinians.
• Annexation Halt by Isreal: A complete halt to all settlement and annexation activities in the occupied Palestinian territories, and a public renunciation by Israel of any annexation or settlement policies.
• Two-State Commitment: The declaration called on the Israeli leadership to issue a clear public commitment to the two-state solution, including a sovereign, and viable Palestinian State.

India’s Stance

• By voting in favour of the resolution, India aligns with the majority of nations advocating a two‑state solution, consistent with its longstanding Middle East foreign policy and implementation of the Two-State Solution.
• By supporting resolution India reaffirmed for the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination and reiterated its call for dialogue and negotiation as the path to peace.

Sources:
The Hindu
Indian Express
Indian Express