India joins global chorus criticising Israel’s unilateral West Bank measures ahead of key UN meet

In a notable shift, India has added its name to a sweeping joint statement issued by more than 100 States and international organisations condemning Israel’s recent decisions in the West Bank. The move, which comes ahead of a UN meeting on the issue and the US-led Board of Peace discussions in Washington, marks a departure from India’s earlier stance --New Delhi had noticeably stayed out of the original group of 85 countries that endorsed the statement on February 17.

By signing on now, India joins a broad coalition that includes the League of Arab States, the European Union, BRICS founder members -- Russia, China, Brazil and South Africa, as well as its Quad partners Australia and Japan. Neighbouring countries --- Bangladesh, Maldives, Mauritius, and Pakistan are also signatories.

The joint statement delivers a clear message: that Israel’s newly announced measures to expand its presence in the West Bank are considered illegal under international law and must be reversed.

“We strongly condemn unilateral Israeli decisions and measures aimed at expanding Israel’s unlawful presence in the West Bank. Such decisions are contrary to Israel’s obligations under international law and must be immediately reversed,” the signatories say. “We underline in this regard our strong opposition to any form of annexation.”

The document reiterates that Israeli measures altering “the demographic composition, character and status of the Palestinian Territory occupied since 1967, including East Jerusalem,” violate international law. “Such measures… undermine the ongoing efforts for peace and stability in the region… and jeopardize the prospect of reaching a peace agreement ending the conflict.”

The statement references the 19 July 2024 Advisory Opinion of the International Court of Justice, noting that States must help realise “the right of the Palestinian people to self-determination” and counter “the illegal settlement policy in the occupied Palestinian territory, including East Jerusalem.”

It warns against “policies and threats of forcible displacement and annexation,” calling on Israel to halt actions that could permanently alter the status of the territories.

The signatories emphasise that a just and lasting peace can only come through the frameworks already established under international law and United Nations resolutions. They point specifically to the principle of land for peace, the Madrid terms of reference, and the Arab Peace Initiative.

The statement concludes: “Ending the Israeli occupation that began in 1967 and implementing the two-State solution, where two democratic States, an independent and sovereign Palestine and Israel, live side by side in peace and security within their secure and recognized borders on the basis of the 1967 lines, including with regard to Jerusalem, remains the only path to ensure security and stability in the region.”