Sonia Gandhi- Criticises Centre Over Gaza Policy and Foreign Relations

Sonia Gandhi- Congress Parliamentary Party chairperson Sonia Gandhi on Saturday launched a strong attack on the Union government, accusing it of maintaining silence over the worsening humanitarian situation in Gaza. In an opinion article published in a national newspaper, she argued that the Centre’s approach had weakened India’s long-standing diplomatic credibility while also affecting its strategic interests across West Asia.

Questions Raised Over India’s Diplomatic Approach

Gandhi claimed that India’s present foreign policy has created distance between New Delhi and several of its traditional partners, including Palestine, Iran, and other countries in the Middle East. According to her, this shift has reduced India’s influence in the region and provided Pakistan with an opportunity to present itself as a potential mediator in regional affairs.

She also questioned Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Israel before the joint military action carried out by the United States and Israel against Iran, describing the timing of the visit as a strategic decision that raised serious concerns.

Call for a Stronger Humanitarian Response

Highlighting the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the occupied West Bank, Gandhi said India should publicly express its concern in line with its long-standing commitment to justice and peace. She maintained that remaining silent neither reflects India’s moral values nor serves its national interest at a time when global criticism of Israel’s military campaign has intensified.

According to Gandhi, the government’s continued reluctance to comment on the conflict lacks both moral and strategic justification.

Reference to United Nations Reports

In her article, Gandhi referred to reports prepared by the United Nations Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory. She noted that findings released in September 2025 alleged that Israeli authorities were committing genocide against Palestinians in Gaza. She further cited a June 2026 report, chaired by retired Justice S. Muralidhar, which stated that Israeli military operations had deliberately targeted children and caused widespread destruction across the territory.

She referred to figures mentioned in the report claiming that more than 20,000 children had lost their lives, while around 44,000 others had suffered injuries, many of them permanent. Gandhi also pointed to large-scale damage to schools, hospitals, and healthcare facilities, including institutions providing treatment for children.

Condemnation of Violence on Both Sides

While condemning Hamas’ October 2023 attack on Israel as completely unacceptable and horrific, Gandhi argued that Israel’s military response had gone far beyond legitimate self-defence. She said statements made by several senior Israeli leaders, along with the scale of military operations, had drawn international allegations of genocidal intent.

Gandhi also alleged that continued backing from the administration of US President Donald Trump had allowed Israel to continue its military campaign, while repeated American opposition had limited stronger action by the United Nations. At the same time, she acknowledged the role played by UN agencies in documenting alleged violations during the conflict.

International Opinion and India’s Position

The Congress leader argued that international opinion has shifted significantly, with countries such as France, the United Kingdom, Canada and Australia taking steps toward recognising Palestinian statehood. She also referred to legal proceedings initiated by South Africa before the International Court of Justice, restrictions on arms exports imposed by several European nations, diplomatic measures taken by Latin American countries and arrest warrants issued by the International Criminal Court against Israeli leaders.

According to Gandhi, India has increasingly found itself out of step with many of its traditional international partners due to its current position on the Gaza conflict.

Opposition Leaders Echo the Criticism

Gandhi also criticised the government’s lack of response to the latest UN commission report led by Justice S. Muralidhar. She argued that India’s historic commitment to anti-colonial solidarity, national sovereignty and international peace has gradually weakened under its present foreign policy.

Referring to the death of five-year-old Hind Rajab during the conflict in Gaza, Gandhi described the incident as a tragic example of the suffering faced by Palestinian civilians.

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge later shared Gandhi’s article on X, stating that it reflected concerns about India’s changing foreign policy priorities. Rahul Gandhi also posted the article, saying India should restore its independent diplomatic approach, uphold humanitarian values and speak with greater moral clarity on the Gaza crisis.