UN passes resolution calling for Israel to withdraw from Palestinian territories, with Nepal abstaining from vote

KATHMANDU, Sept 20: The proposal for Israel to withdraw from Palestinian territories was passed by the United Nations General Assembly. However, Nepal remained neutral on the vote.

Palestine's proposal was supported by 124 countries, including Russia, China, France, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, and the Maldives. Fourteen countries, including the United States, voted against it. Among the permanent members of the United Nations, the United States was the only one to oppose the resolution.

Nepal, India, the United Kingdom, and 43 other countries remained neutral, not taking sides either in favor or against the proposal.

Nepal has recognized both Israel and Palestine. Nepal has consistently emphasized the resolution of the issues between these two countries.

During the tenure of the then Prime Minister BP Koirala, diplomatic relations between Nepal and Israel were established in 1960. Nepal was the first Asian country to recognize the Jewish state of Israel.

Nepali students have been going to Israel to study agriculture while working. In this context, on October 7, when Hamas fighters entered Israel from Palestinian territory and launched an attack, 1,200 people, including 10 Nepalis, were killed. Bipin Joshi from Nepal is still missing.

The International Court of Justice (ICJ) declared Israel's presence in Palestinian territory illegal and called for its withdrawal. Similarly, a case has been filed in the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague, the Netherlands, demanding the issuance of arrest warrants against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Hamas leaders.