India voted in favour of a United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) resolution endorsing the “New York Declaration” on the peaceful settlement of the Palestine issue and the implementation of the two-state solution. The resolution, introduced by France, received overwhelming global support, with 142 countries voting in favour, 10 against, and 12 abstentions. The move reflects India’s consistent position of supporting a negotiated two-state solution for lasting peace in the Israeli–Palestinian conflict, while balancing its diplomatic ties with both Israel and the Arab world.
Key Highlights
Resolution Title:
- Endorsement of the New York Declaration on the Peaceful Settlement of the Question of Palestine and the Implementation of the Two-State Solution.
Introduced by: France at the UNGA.
Voting Outcome:
- 142 nations in favour (including India).
- 10 against (notably: Israel, United States, Argentina, Hungary).
- 12 abstentions.
Background:
- The New York Declaration was circulated in July 2025 at a high-level UN conference co-chaired by France and Saudi Arabia.
- It called for ending the war in Gaza, establishing a sovereign Palestinian state, and reaffirming commitment to a peaceful two-state solution.
Core Message:
- Israeli leadership urged to commit to the two-state formula.
- Goal: A sovereign, viable Palestinian State alongside Israel, with East Jerusalem as its capital.
Palestine Refugee Issue
- Registered Refugees: About 5.9 million Palestinians under UNRWA (United Nations Relief and Works Agency).
- Origin: Descendants of Palestinians displaced during the 1948–49 Arab-Israeli war (creation of Israel).
- Current Settlements: Jordan, Gaza Strip, West Bank, Syria, Lebanon.
- Contention:
- Palestinians demand the “right of return.”
- Israel rejects it, criticises UNRWA, and opposes inheritance of refugee status.
Understanding Two-State Solution
Definition:
- Establishment of an independent Palestinian State in West Bank and Gaza, with East Jerusalem as its capital, co-existing peacefully alongside Israel.
Positions:
- Palestinian Authority (PA): Supports two-state solution.
- Hamas: Opposes Israel’s existence but could accept interim state on 1967 borders (without recognition of Israel).
- Israel: Rejects imposed two-state solution; insists on bilateral negotiations.
Historical Background
- 1947: UN Partition Plan → proposed separate Jewish & Arab states. Accepted by Jewish leaders, rejected by Arab League.
- 1948: Israel declared independence; Arab-Israeli war → 700,000 Palestinians displaced.
- 1967 (Six-Day War): Israel captured West Bank, East Jerusalem, Gaza. Palestinians remain stateless since.
Past Peace Efforts
- 1993 Oslo Accords:
- Signed by Yasser Arafat (PLO) and Yitzhak Rabin (Israel).
- Created Palestinian Authority (PA), recognised Israel, intended as framework for peace.
- 2000 Camp David Talks: Failed over Jerusalem’s status.
- 2000–2005: Second Intifada (Palestinian uprising).
- 2014: Last major U.S.-led peace initiative collapsed.
Current Challenges
- Israeli Settlements: Expanded in West Bank & East Jerusalem → from 250,000 (1993) to ~695,000 (2023).
- Jerusalem Dispute: Israel insists it is its “eternal, indivisible capital.” Palestinians demand East Jerusalem as their capital.
- Fragmented Palestinian Politics:
- PA controls West Bank.
- Hamas controls Gaza (since 2007) after defeating PA in a civil conflict.
- Israeli Politics: Netanyahu’s government is most right-wing in history, strongly opposed to two-state solution.
- Gaza Conflict: Israel wants Gaza demilitarised; Hamas insists on survival and Palestinian rights.
Significance of India’s Vote
- India’s Traditional Policy: Supports Palestinian statehood while maintaining strong ties with Israel (defence, technology, agriculture).
- Diplomatic Balance: Reinforces India’s commitment to multilateralism and peaceful settlement of disputes.
- Geopolitical Angle: Important for India’s relations with Arab nations, vital for energy imports, diaspora safety, and strategic partnerships.
About UNGA (United Nations General Assembly)
- Established: 1945.
- Membership: 193 countries.
- Each country has 1 vote (regardless of size).
- Resolutions are non-binding but carry strong diplomatic weight.
Israel-Palestine Conflict
- First Arab-Israeli War (1948–49): Creation of Israel, mass displacement of Palestinians.
- Six-Day War (1967): Israel captured West Bank, East Jerusalem, Gaza, Sinai, and Golan Heights.
- Oslo Accords (1993): First formal recognition between Israel & PLO.
Key Organisations
- UNRWA (Relief & Works Agency): Provides education, healthcare, and aid to Palestinian refugees.
- Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO): Founded 1964, recognised Israel in 1993.
- Hamas: Formed 1987, controls Gaza since 2007.
Geography
- West Bank: Landlocked, bordered by Israel and Jordan.
- Gaza Strip: Coastal, bordered by Israel, Egypt, Mediterranean.
- Jerusalem: Sacred city for Jews, Christians, Muslims → biggest sticking point in negotiations.