New York/IBNS: India on Wednesday (Sept. 18) abstained from a United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) resolution demanding that Israel end its "unlawful presence" in the Occupied Palestinian Territory within 12 months.

The resolution was adopted by the 193-member assembly, with 124 countries voting in favour, 14 against, and 43 abstentions, including India.

Other countries that abstained included Australia, Canada, Germany, Italy, Nepal, Ukraine, and the United Kingdom.

Israel and the United States were among those who opposed the resolution, titled "Advisory Opinion of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on the Legal Consequences Arising from Israel's Policies and Practices in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, Including East Jerusalem."

The resolution calls for Israel to "bring to an end without delay its unlawful presence," which is described as an ongoing wrongful act that incurs international responsibility, with a deadline set for 12 months from the resolution's adoption.

Drafted by the Palestinians, the resolution also condemned Israel's ongoing violations of its obligations under the UN Charter, international law, and relevant UN resolutions, stating that these breaches pose serious threats to regional and international peace and security.

It emphasizes the need for accountability, asserting that Israel must face legal consequences for violations in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including making reparations for any resulting harm.