Daily Current Affairs : 30-November-2023

India’s recent vote at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) has garnered attention as it reflects the nation’s stance on a crucial geopolitical issue. The draft resolution under consideration was centered on the Israeli occupation of the Syrian Golan, raising deep concerns about the lack of withdrawal.

India's UNGA Vote on Syrian Golan: What You Should Know
Courtesy:BBC
The Syrian Golan and Historical Background:

Occupation Since 1967: The Syrian Golan, situated in southwest Syria, fell under Israeli occupation on June 5, 1967. This region has been a focal point of international attention due to its historical significance and the complexities surrounding its control.

UNGA Vote and Resolution: The 193-member UNGA deliberated on the draft resolution titled ‘The Syrian Golan’ within the context of ‘The situation in the Middle East.’ Notably, Egypt proposed the resolution, and it gained approval with 91 votes in favor, eight against, and 62 abstentions. This outcome underscores the global community’s varying perspectives on the matter.

Key Details of the UNGA Vote:

Voting Patterns:

  • India’s affirmative vote aligns with the majority, emphasizing shared concerns over the situation.
  • Notable dissenting voters include Australia, Canada, Israel, the U.K., and the U.S., each expressing reservations about the resolution.

Illegality of Israeli Settlements: The resolution goes beyond expressing concern and explicitly emphasizes the illegality of Israeli settlement construction in the Golan. This aspect adds a legal dimension to the discourse surrounding the region.

Understanding the Golan Heights:

Geopolitical Background: The Syrian Golan comprises a strategic border region captured by Israel during the Six-Day War in 1967. This area encompasses the western two-thirds of the Golan Heights and the Israeli-occupied segment of Mount Hermon.

Occupation and Control: Since 1967, Israel has maintained control over the western two-thirds of the Golan Heights, amounting to approximately 1,500 square kilometers. In contrast, the eastern third remains under Syrian control. This territorial division shapes the ongoing geopolitical dynamics in the region.

Human Impact and Demographics: The Golan, once home to over 140,000 Syrians, has witnessed significant demographic shifts due to the Israeli occupation. Many were displaced, with over 500,000 Syrians currently living in challenging conditions. A smaller population of around 20,000 Syrians persists in small villages within the Occupied Syrian Golan.

Important Points:
  • UNGA Vote on Syrian Golan:
    • India voted in favor of a draft resolution expressing deep concern over Israel not withdrawing from the Syrian Golan.
    • The resolution, titled ‘The Syrian Golan,’ was introduced by Egypt and adopted with 91 votes in favor, eight against, and 62 abstentions.
  • Key Details of UNGA Vote:
    • India’s affirmative vote aligns with the majority, emphasizing shared concerns over the situation.
    • Notable dissenting voters include Australia, Canada, Israel, the U.K., and the U.S., each expressing reservations about the resolution.
    • The resolution explicitly stresses the illegality of Israeli settlement construction in the Golan, adding a legal dimension to the discourse.
  • Understanding the Golan Heights:
    • The Syrian Golan, occupied by Israel on June 5, 1967, is a region in southwest Syria with historical significance.
    • The region includes the western two-thirds of the Golan Heights and the Israeli-occupied part of Mount Hermon.
    • Israel has maintained control over the western two-thirds since 1967, while the eastern third remains under Syrian control, shaping ongoing geopolitical dynamics.
  • Occupation and Demographics:
    • The Golan, once home to over 140,000 Syrians, saw significant demographic shifts due to Israeli occupation.
    • Today, over 500,000 Syrians live in challenging conditions, with approximately 20,000 Syrians persisting in small villages within the Occupied Syrian Golan.
Why In News

India has voted in favor of a draft resolution in the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) that expressed deep concern over Israel not withdrawing from the Syrian Golan; emphasizing the need for diplomatic dialogue and a peaceful resolution to address the ongoing tensions in the region.

MCQs about India’s UNGA Vote on Syrian Golan

  1. Which country was not among the dissenting voters in the UNGA regarding the Syrian Golan?
    A. Australia
    B. Canada
    C. Israel
    D. India
    Correct Answer: D. India
    Explanation: The India voted in favor of the draft resolution, aligning with the majority expressing concerns over Israel not withdrawing from the Syrian Golan.
  2. What legal aspect does the UNGA resolution emphasize regarding the Israeli presence in the Golan?
    A. Recognition of Israeli sovereignty
    B. Approval of settlement construction
    C. Concerns over occupation
    D. Illegality of settlement construction
    Correct Answer: D. Illegality of settlement construction
    Explanation: The resolution explicitly stresses the illegality of Israeli settlement construction in the Golan.
  3. How has the demographic landscape of the Golan changed since the Israeli occupation?
    A. Population growth
    B. Stable demographic structure
    C. Significant demographic shifts
    D. Decrease in the Syrian population
    Correct Answer: C. Significant demographic shifts
    Explanation: The Golan, once home to over 140,000 Syrians, has witnessed significant demographic shifts due to the Israeli occupation. Many were displaced, with over 500,000 Syrians currently living in challenging conditions.

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