UN Human Rights Council passed a Resolution calling for a Probe into Israeli Settlements

UN Human Rights Council on 21 March 2012 passed a resolution in Geneva calling for a probe into Israeli settlements in occupied territories. Thirty-Six nations voted in favour, 10 abstained while United States was the only nation to vote against the resolution. The UN resolution states that the Israeli settlements is infringing on the rights of the Palestinian people. The resolution asked Israel to confiscate arms to prevent acts of violence by Israeli settlers.

In fact, more than 3.10 lakhs Israelis live in settlements in the occupied West Bank and their number is increasing. Another 2 lakhs live in a dozen settlement in east Jerusalem, which was captured by Israel in 1967. Palestinians have demanded a freeze on the settlements as one of the pre condition for peace talks.