Gaza – Priyanka Gandhi Urges PM to Raise Justice Issue
Gaza – Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Wednesday said she expects Prime Minister Narendra Modi to address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza during his upcoming speech in the Israeli Parliament. She expressed hope that he would speak about the large-scale loss of civilian lives and call for justice during his official visit.
Gandhi, who represents Wayanad in the Lok Sabha, made the remarks shortly before the Prime Minister departed for a two-day trip to Israel. During the visit, Modi is scheduled to meet senior Israeli leaders and deliver an address at the Knesset.
Call to Address Civilian Deaths in Gaza
In a message shared on social media platform X, Gandhi stated that thousands of innocent men, women and children have lost their lives in Gaza. She said she hoped the Prime Minister would raise the issue directly while speaking before Israeli lawmakers and seek justice for those affected.
She underlined that India has historically taken positions rooted in moral clarity and fairness on global issues. According to her, the country must continue to uphold values of truth, peace and justice when engaging with the international community.
Gandhi’s remarks come amid ongoing hostilities in Gaza, which have drawn international attention and triggered widespread humanitarian concerns. Civilian casualties and the destruction of infrastructure have remained at the center of global debate over the conflict.
Modi’s Visit Focused on Strategic Cooperation
Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Israel aims to further strengthen cooperation in key sectors, particularly defence and trade. This marks his second trip to Israel since taking office. His first visit in July 2017 was considered a milestone in bilateral relations, elevating ties between the two nations to a strategic partnership.
Since then, India and Israel have expanded collaboration in defence technology, agriculture, water management and innovation. Officials from both countries have described the partnership as mutually beneficial and strategically significant.
The Prime Minister is expected to review progress in these areas and explore new avenues for cooperation during meetings with Israeli leadership. His address to the Knesset is also being seen as an opportunity to outline India’s perspective on regional and global developments.
Congress Criticizes Government’s Position
The Congress party has raised concerns about the government’s approach to the Israel-Palestine conflict. On Tuesday, senior party leader Jairam Ramesh accused the government of distancing itself from the Palestinian cause.
Ramesh alleged that while the government continues to speak about its support for Palestinians in official statements, its actions suggest otherwise. He argued that India’s long-standing support for Palestinian rights should not be compromised, particularly at a time when civilian suffering in Gaza continues.
The party has also questioned the timing of the Prime Minister’s visit, pointing to ongoing military operations in Gaza. Congress leaders maintain that India should balance its strategic relationship with Israel with its traditional backing of a peaceful and just resolution to the Palestinian issue.
A Delicate Diplomatic Moment
India has historically maintained diplomatic relations with both Israel and Palestine. While ties with Israel have grown significantly over the past decade, India has also reiterated support for a two-state solution in international forums.
Modi’s visit comes at a sensitive time in West Asia, with global leaders facing pressure to address humanitarian concerns while maintaining strategic partnerships. Whether the Prime Minister references the situation in Gaza during his speech will be closely watched by observers at home and abroad.
The development highlights the continuing domestic debate over India’s foreign policy priorities, especially in regions experiencing conflict. As the visit unfolds, attention will remain focused on how India balances its strategic interests with calls for humanitarian accountability.