Cong Slams Govt Over ‘Indifference’ To Gaza, Calls PM’s Silence ‘Shameful’
Palestinians walk amid the rubble of destroyed buildings in Nuseirat, Gaza (AFP via Getty Images)
The Congress party has criticized the Indian government for its “indifference” to what it termed Israeli “genocide” in Gaza, asserting that Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s silence on the matter is “shameful” and contradicts India’s historical stance on human rights. Congress MP and general-secretary for communications, Jairam Ramesh, emphasized that the situation in Gaza has escalated to a point where even voices within Israel are beginning to question the actions of their government, including former Prime Minister Ehud Olmert.
Ramesh stated, “The Israeli genocide in Gaza continues unabated. In fact, it is intensifying and assuming horrific new dimensions.” He highlighted that Olmert recently expressed grave concerns about the humanitarian situation in Gaza, particularly regarding a proposed “humanitarian city” that would house hundreds of thousands of Palestinians. Olmert described this plan as akin to creating a “concentration camp,” a statement that underscores the severity of the situation.
The Congress leader criticized the Indian government’s response, saying, “The Government of India is supremely indifferent, not wanting to say or do anything that would affect the friendship of Mr. Netanyahu and Mr. Modi.” He added that the Prime Minister’s silence is “disgraceful, shameful, and goes against all that India has stood for.” This sentiment reflects a growing frustration among some Indian political leaders regarding the government’s stance on international humanitarian issues.
Ramesh’s remarks come amid escalating violence in Gaza, where Israeli airstrikes reportedly killed at least 32 people on Sunday, including six children at a water collection point. Local health officials have indicated that the Palestinian death toll has surpassed 58,000 over the course of 21 months of conflict. The ongoing war has led to a humanitarian crisis, with many civilians caught in the crossfire.
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz recently announced plans for a designated zone intended to accommodate Gaza’s entire population, which he described as a “humanitarian city.” However, critics argue that this area, to be constructed on the ruins of Rafah, would effectively function as a prison, as Palestinians would not be allowed to leave once they enter. Katz has also mentioned a plan for the emigration of Palestinians from Gaza, raising further concerns about the future of the region’s inhabitants.
As the conflict continues, indirect talks between Israel and Hamas have shown little progress. Following Prime Minister Netanyahu’s visit to Washington last week, the prospects for a ceasefire remain bleak. Hamas has indicated that any potential ceasefire would leave approximately 40 percent of Gaza’s territory under Israeli control, including all of Rafah, which they find unacceptable.
Israel maintains that it will only end the war once Hamas surrenders, disarms, and goes into exile—conditions that Hamas has firmly rejected. In contrast, Hamas has expressed a willingness to release all remaining hostages, approximately 50 individuals, in exchange for a cessation of hostilities and the complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza.
The situation remains dire, with both sides entrenched in their positions, and the humanitarian crisis deepening. As the Congress party calls for a more vocal response from the Indian government, the international community watches closely, hoping for a resolution that prioritizes human rights and the well-being of civilians caught in the conflict.
