Sonia Gandhi attacks Centre over Gaza stance, says India’s silence hurts morality and national interest

Congress Parliamentary Party chairperson Sonia Gandhi has criticised the Narendra Modi government over its response to the Gaza conflict, accusing it of maintaining “silence and inaction” over Israel’s military campaign and arguing that India’s approach goes against both its moral values and strategic interests.

In an opinion piece published in The Indian Express, Gandhi said the scale of destruction in Gaza and what she described as the “genocidal intent” behind Israel’s actions had been widely documented.

She highlighted the deaths and injuries suffered by children, arguing that attacks affecting children were not accidental but part of a broader pattern. She also pointed to the destruction of schools and healthcare facilities, saying it had deepened the humanitarian crisis.

Gandhi said the October 7, 2023 attack by Hamas on Israel was “dastardly” and unacceptable, but claimed Israel’s subsequent military response had involved “wanton cruelty and barbarity.”

She referred to statements by senior Israeli leaders regarding Gaza and alleged that they reflected an intent to completely destroy the territory.

Criticism of US role and India’s foreign policy

Gandhi also criticised the United States under President Donald Trump, alleging that Washington’s support enabled Israel’s continued military operations in Gaza.

She noted that several countries had recognised Palestine and that international organisations had raised concerns over alleged violations during the conflict.

Turning to India’s foreign policy, Gandhi said New Delhi had failed to speak out despite growing global concern over the situation.

“India remains a lone voice of silence,” she wrote, questioning why the government had not taken a stronger position.

Attack on Centre over Gaza report

Gandhi criticised the government for what she described as ignoring a report by Justice Muralidhar on the Gaza issue, comparing the response to what she called earlier concerns over alleged police inaction during the 2020 Delhi riots.

She said India had historically supported postcolonial solidarity, sovereignty and international peace but had now moved away from those principles.

Referring to the death of five-year-old Hind Rajab during the Gaza war, Gandhi said the case highlighted the suffering faced by Palestinian children.

She also criticised delays in clearing a film based on Hind Rajab’s story for release in India, alleging that the decision was influenced by concerns over Israel’s reaction.

‘Silence cannot be explained’

Gandhi argued that India’s current approach towards Israel was also problematic from a strategic perspective.

She said closer ties with Israel had come at a time when international opinion was shifting and claimed India had weakened its traditional relationships with Palestine, Iran and countries in the wider Middle East.

She also alleged that Pakistan had gained diplomatic space that India could have occupied because of its historical ties in the region.

Concluding her article, Gandhi said India should speak up for Palestinians and argued that the government’s continued silence on Gaza “cannot be explained rationally or morally.”

Senior Congress leaders supported her remarks on social media. Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge said the article highlighted concerns over India’s foreign policy, while Rahul Gandhi said it called for an independent foreign policy and a stronger humanitarian voice on Gaza.