sonia gandhi

Sonia Gandhi Blasts PM Modi’s Silence on Gaza Crisis, Calls Israeli Actions ‘Genocide’ and a Betrayal of India's Global Legacy

Congress parliamentary party chief Sonia Gandhi attacked Prime Minister Narendra Modi over what she termed his ‘shameful silence’ on the current humanitarian crisis in Gaza. 

In a forcefully worded opinion article in Dainik Jagran, Gandhi called upon the Indian government to adopt a ‘clear and bold’ position to support Palestinian civilians and assert India’s long-standing commitment to international justice.

Terms Israeli Activities ‘Genocide’, References Civilian Casualties

In the article named ‘Gaza Sankat Par Mookdarshak Modi Sarkaar’, Gandhi referred to Israel’s Gaza campaign as ‘barbaric’ and amounted to ‘genocide.’ Based on reports, she stated that over 55,000 Palestinian civilians, out of which 17,000 were children, have been martyred since the start of Israeli retaliations two years ago. 

Gaza’s residential quarters, hospitals, and public facilities have been reduced to rubble. “The Israeli Defence Forces have intentionally cut off supplies of medicines, food, and petrol. This policy of starving people by force is most definitely a crime against humanity,” she penned.

India’s Silence ‘Cowardly Betrayal of Constitutional Values’

The former AICC president criticised Modi’s lack of response, calling it “a cowardly betrayal of our constitutional values.” She recalled India’s historic pro-Palestine foreign policy, noting that in 1974, under Indira Gandhi, India became the first non-Arab country to recognise the Palestine Liberation Organisation (PLO), and was among the earliest nations to recognise the State of Palestine in 1988.

“India has always been a symbol of international justice. Our silence today undermines that tradition,” she contended.

No Excuse for Hamas, But Gaza Response ‘Criminal’

Condemning the October 7, 2023, attacks by Hamas and the ongoing captivity of Israeli hostages, Gandhi added that these acts do not excuse Israel’s collective punishment of Gaza’s civilian population.

“Because as members of the international community, and human beings above all, we cannot afford to turn a blind eye to such heinous crimes,” she said.

International Failure and Rising Global Voices

The senior Congress leader referred to the inability of global institutions, such as the UN and the International Court of Justice, to intervene and end the violence. She commended South Africa for filing legal proceedings against Israel at the ICJ and registered backing from nations such as Brazil, France, and Canada.

“France has recognized Palestine. Britain and Canada have sanctioned Israeli leaders. Where is India?” she questioned.

Constitutional Mandate and India’s Global Role

The Rajya Sabha MP asked the Modi government to revisit India’s Directive Principles of State Policy. This mandates the encouragement of world peace and respect for the law. “India should speak out clearly, boldly and forthrightly for peace and justice,” she added, calling the present position a blot on the country’s conscience.

The article takes a similar tone to that being spoken in Congress and Sandesh. It also supports the constant pleas from her daughter, and Congress MP, Priyanka Gandhi, for the cessation of the violence in Gaza.