‘Shameful Silence On Gaza Genocide’
Congress leader Sonia Gandhi has urged PM Narendra Modi to speak out "clearly, boldly and forthrightly" on behalf of the legacy of justice and humanitarianism that India has long represented
Congress parliamentary party chairperson Sonia Gandhi has asserted that Israel’s military campaign in Gaza constitutes “genocide,” criticizing the Narendra Modi government for being a “mute spectator to this affront to humanity.” She described this inaction as a “cowardly betrayal of our constitutional values.”
In a recent article published in the Hindi daily ‘Dainik Jagran’, Gandhi expressed her disappointment with Prime Minister Modi’s “shameful silence” regarding Israel’s ongoing assault on Gaza. She urged him to speak out “clearly, boldly and forthrightly” in defense of India’s long-standing legacy of justice and humanitarianism.
While condemning the “barbaric attacks” by Hamas on innocent civilians in Israel on October 7, 2023, Gandhi emphasized that these actions must be condemned “repeatedly and unreservedly.” However, she also highlighted the need to recognize the Israeli government’s response, stating that it has been “egregious” and “downright criminal.”
Gandhi pointed out the staggering toll of the conflict, noting that over the past two years, more than 55,000 Palestinian civilians have lost their lives, including 17,000 children. She lamented the destruction of residential buildings and hospitals in Gaza, asserting that the social fabric of the region has been “completely shattered.”
“The events since October 2023 have been disturbing,” she wrote, adding that the situation has become “even more heart-wrenching.” She criticized the Israeli Defense Forces for imposing a military blockade on Gaza, which has “deliberately and cruelly” blocked essential supplies of medicine, food, and fuel to the population.
Gandhi described the ongoing destruction and civilian casualties as a “man-made tragedy,” exacerbated by the blockade. She stated, “This strategy of forced starvation is undoubtedly a crime against humanity.” She also noted that Israel has either rejected or blocked humanitarian aid from the United Nations and other international organizations, further compounding the crisis.
“In a perversion of every idea of humanity,” Gandhi asserted, “armed soldiers of the Israeli Defense Forces have ruthlessly fired on hundreds of civilians who were trying to gather food for their families.” She referenced the United Nations’ grave concerns regarding these actions, acknowledging that even the Israeli Defense Forces have had to admit this “horrifying truth.”
According to Gandhi, expert assessments indicate that Israel’s military actions in Gaza amount to genocide and aim to ethnically cleanse the region of Palestinians. She drew parallels to the Naqba tragedy of 1948, when Palestinians were forcibly displaced from their homes.
Gandhi argued that these atrocities serve nefarious objectives, ranging from a colonial mindset to the interests of “greedy” real estate tycoons. She criticized the international system for its failures, stating, “UN General Assembly resolutions demanding an immediate, unconditional and permanent ceasefire in Gaza have been completely ignored.”
She pointed out that the United Nations Security Council has failed to impose sanctions on Israel for its attacks on civilians and the destruction of infrastructure. Furthermore, she noted that the International Court of Justice’s order from January 26, 2024, directing Israel to prevent acts of genocide and provide humanitarian aid, has also been disregarded.
Gandhi highlighted the role of the United States in enabling Israel’s actions, stating that its support has not only encouraged these actions but made them possible. She lamented that as international laws and institutions have become “virtually defunct,” the responsibility to protect the people of Gaza now falls to individual countries.
She praised South Africa for taking a bold stance by bringing Israel to the International Court of Justice and noted that Brazil has joined this effort. Gandhi also mentioned that France has recognized the Palestinian state, while countries like Britain and Canada have imposed sanctions on Israeli leaders promoting aggression in Gaza.
Amidst the devastation, she acknowledged that voices of protest are growing within Israel itself, with a former prime minister recognizing the reality of Israeli war crimes in Gaza. “Amidst this humanitarian crisis and the rising global consciousness around it,” Gandhi stated, “it is a national shame that India has remained a mute spectator to this affront to humanity.”
She reminded her audience that India has historically been a symbol of global justice, having inspired movements against colonialism and imperialism. “At a time when innocent human beings are being brutally slaughtered,” she said, “India’s abdication of its values is a blot on our national conscience.”
Gandhi pointed to the Directive Principles of State Policy, which require the government to promote international peace and security and maintain just relations between nations. She argued that Israel’s blatant disregard for international law and human rights, coupled with the current government’s moral cowardice, represents a dereliction of India’s constitutional duties.
India has long supported a “two-state solution” and a just peace between Israel and Palestine. Gandhi recalled that in 1974, under Indira Gandhi’s leadership, India became the first non-Arab country to recognize the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) as the legitimate representative of the Palestinian people. In 1988, India was among the first to officially recognize the State of Palestine.
Gandhi reiterated her disappointment with Prime Minister Modi’s silence, calling it “the height of moral cowardice.”
