Sonia Gandhi questions PM Modi's ‘shameful silence on Gaza genocide', calls it "height of moral cowardice"

Congress parliamentary party chairperson Sonia Gandhi has criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi for what she termed as a “shameful silence” on the ongoing Israeli offensive in Gaza. In an article published in Hindi, she said the Prime Minister’s lack of response was “deeply disappointing” and called it a “cowardly betrayal” of India’s constitutional values. She urged the government to speak out “clearly, boldly and forthrightly” in favour of Gaza and uphold India’s legacy in promoting international justice.

Gandhi referred to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, stating that more than 55,000 Palestinian civilians, including 17,000 children, have been killed since October 2023. She wrote that most residential buildings and hospitals have been destroyed and that the Israeli Defence Forces had imposed a blockade that has restricted the supply of medicines, food and fuel. She described this as “a strategy of forced starvation” and “a crime against humanity.”

In her article, Gandhi acknowledged that Hamas’ attacks on Israel on October 7, 2023, and the continued holding of hostages were unjustifiable and must be condemned. However, she stated that the Israeli response amounted to a “genocide” and “ethnic cleansing.” She compared the scale of destruction to the Nakba of 1948 and noted that armed Israeli forces had fired on civilians seeking food. She cited expert assessments and referred to the International Court of Justice’s January 26, 2024, order directing Israel to prevent acts of genocide, which she said had been ignored.

Gandhi highlighted India’s historical position on Palestine, noting that in 1974, under Indira Gandhi’s leadership, India was the first non-Arab country to recognise the Palestine Liberation Organisation. In 1988, India was among the first to officially recognise the State of Palestine. She cited the Directive Principles of State Policy that commit India to promoting international peace, maintaining just relations, and respecting international law. She said India’s current silence contradicts these constitutional principles.

She also referred to actions by other countries. South Africa had taken Israel to the International Court of Justice, with Brazil supporting the move. France recognised the State of Palestine, while Britain and Canada imposed sanctions on Israeli leaders. Gandhi said the crisis had exposed the weakness of international institutions and that individual nations were now responsible for upholding justice. She urged the Indian government to take a clear stand, recalling India’s past role in opposing colonialism and apartheid.