Congress leader Sonia Gandhi has criticised the BJP-led Union government for what she described as “silence” and “inaction” over Israel’s military operations in Gaza. In an article, she argued that India’s response to the conflict runs counter to both moral responsibility and the country’s national interest.
She wrote that attacks affecting children were not accidental but part of a deliberate strategy, and said the destruction of schools and health infrastructure has worsened the humanitarian crisis.
Referring to the October 7, 2023 attack by Hamas, she called it cowardly and unacceptable. However, she said Israel’s subsequent military response amounted to excessive brutality, and pointed to statements by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and senior ministers calling for a complete siege and destruction of Gaza, which she said reflected genocidal intent.
Sonia Gandhi noted that several countries have recognised Palestine and that international bodies have documented human rights violations, even as global concern over Gaza has grown. She alleged that India has remained a lone “silent voice” despite its historical stance after colonialism in support of unity, sovereignty and international peace.
She further claimed that India’s posture has alienated friendly countries in Palestine, Iran and the wider Middle East, allowing Pakistan to occupy diplomatic space India once held due to long-standing regional ties. She argued that this shift has come at the cost of India’s interests and moral principles, leaving only the personal friendship between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Prime Minister Netanyahu as the outcome.
