GS Paper 2
Syllabus: International Relations
Source: Th
Context: After five and a half months of conflict in Gaza, with significant casualties and displacement, the UN Security Council called for an immediate ceasefire.
What are UNSC resolutions?
A UNSC resolution is a decision adopted by the UN Security Council, responsible for international peace and security. Article 27 of the UN Charter requires an affirmative vote of nine out of fifteen members for resolutions. Any of the five permanent members can veto resolutions, except procedural ones. The permanent members are China, France, Russia, the UK, and the US. Article 25 obligates UN members to accept and implement UNSC decisions. As of today, the Security Council has passed 2728 resolutions. The ICJ has affirmed the legal bindingness of all Security Council resolutions.
If the Security Council fails to pass a resolution, it may issue a non-binding presidential statement adopted by consensus. These statements apply political pressure and signal the Council’s attention, often indicating that further action may follow.
What does the current Resolution call for?
The resolution calls for
- Aid to reach Palestinian civilians
- Release of hostages held by Hamas
- Immediate ceasefire for the month of Ramadan to be respected by all parties
- Adherence to international law
- Need for sustained humanitarian aid
The US abstained from voting, marking a shift in policy.
What does the resolution mean?
While all UNSC resolutions are typically binding under Article 25 of the UN Charter, the US has deemed the latest resolution non-binding. If a resolution is not adhered to, the Council can vote on a follow-up resolution and impose punitive measures such as sanctions or authorizing an international force. So, in this case, there is high pressure on Israel to comply with the resolution.
Has Israel adhered to the previous resolutions?
No, Israel has not adhered to previous resolutions. E.g.,
- 2016: Israel ignored UNSC resolution deeming Israel’s settlements in Palestine illegal and a violation of international law
- December 2023: Israel ignored the UN General Assembly’s call for a “humanitarian ceasefire
Israel faces accusations of genocide in Gaza at the International Court of Justice, with South Africa leading the charge.
Significance of US policy shift towards Israel:
The US policy shift towards Israel indicates a change in how the US government approaches its relationship with Israel. This change can have significant implications for various aspects, including diplomatic relations, regional stability in the Middle East, and efforts to address the Israel-Palestine conflict. Historically, the US has been a staunch ally of Israel, providing significant political, military, and economic support.
Israel has various options available to address the ongoing conflict:
- Long-term perspective: Israel should heed the UNSC’s call for a ceasefire, allow humanitarian aid into Gaza, and engage in talks with Hamas for the release of hostages and withdrawal of troops.
- Abiding by the Abraham Accords: Israel should consider its previous position of normalizing relations with Arab states and the broader international community.
- Cooperation with Hamas: Israel could explore dialogue with Hamas for a potential prisoner exchange, as Hamas has expressed willingness for immediate engagement.
- Synchronizing with US stance: With the US increasingly critical of Israel’s actions and urging for aid delivery to Gaza, Israel may need to align its approach accordingly.
India’s Policy on the Israel-Palestine Conflict:
| India’s Policy | Description |
| Historical Stance | India historically favoured Palestine due to factors like Gandhi’s opposition to a Jewish state, a significant Muslim population, and alignment with Arab countries, the Non-Aligned Movement, and the UN. |
| Shift in Policy | In 1992, India established diplomatic relations with Israel while continuing to support Palestine. This marked a significant change influenced by post-Cold War dynamics. |
| Balancing National Interest | India aims to balance maintaining strong ties with Israel, supporting Palestine, and cultivating relations with the Arab world, guided by national interest and diplomatic pragmatism. |
| Current Policy | India’s relations with Israel have strengthened across various sectors. It supports Israel’s anti-terrorism efforts, although the contexts differ. |
| Support for Palestine’s Cause | India remains vocal about its commitment to the Palestinian cause and provides aid to Palestinian refugees and relief materials in the midst of ongoing tensions. |
| Balanced Stance | India’s leadership has visited both Israel and Palestine, signalling a balanced approach. It voted against unilateral recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital in 2017. |
| Official Position | India officially supports a two-state solution with Israel and Palestine living as good neighbours, a stance consistent with international mediation efforts. |
For: Implications of the Gaza Crisis for India: Click Here
Conclusion:
India, with its balanced approach and rapport with both Middle Eastern countries and Israel, can utilize multilateral forums like the Human Rights Council to mediate and help resolve the Israel-Palestine issue.
Mains Links:
“India’s relations with Israel have, of late, acquired a depth and diversity, which cannot be rolled back.” Discuss. (UPSC 2018)
Prelims Links: (UPSC 2015)
The area known as ‘Golan Heights’ sometimes appears in the news in the context of the events related to
- a) Central Asia
- b) Middle East
- c) South-East Asia
- d) Central Africa
Ans: B
