Sonia Gandhi, the former party chief of the Indian National Congress, expressed her strong opposition to India’s recent abstention on a UN resolution concerning the Israel-Hamas conflict.
The Indian National Congress firmly stands against India’s abstention on the recent UN resolution.
Sonia Gandhi highlighted that her party’s longstanding position has been to support direct negotiations for a sovereign, independent, viable, and secure state of Palestine coexisting in peace with Israel.
The Congress believes that violence has no place in a decent world and had promptly condemned Hamas’ attacks.
Humanity on Trial
Gandhi raises the concern that humanity is on trial amidst the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas.
She calls for the loudest and most powerful voices to advocate for a cessation of military activity. A brutal attack launched by Hamas on Israel resulted in the loss of thousands of lives, mostly civilians, and the kidnapping of hundreds more.
While condemning Hamas’ attacks, Gandhi emphasizes that Israel’s indiscriminate operations in and around Gaza have led to the deaths of thousands of innocent children, women, and men.
The Congress articulates its stand on the Israel-Palestine issue, asserting that there can be no peace without justice.
Gandhi highlights Israel’s long standing blockade on Gaza, which has reduced the region to an “open-air prison” for its two million inhabitants.
She also mentions the Israeli settlers’ actions in Jerusalem and the West Bank, which aim to eliminate the vision of a two-state solution.
Strong Opposition to UN Resolution Abstention
Sonia Gandhi makes it clear that the Indian National Congress strongly opposes India’s abstention on the recent UN resolution calling for an immediate humanitarian truce.
She deems it unfortunate that influential countries are taking partisan positions when they should be working towards ending the war.
She emphasizes that the loudest and most powerful voices should call for a cessation of military activity to break the cycle of violence and bring lasting peace to the region.
Humanitarian Crisis and Ominous Future
Gandhi highlights the horrifying impact of the conflict on innocent civilians. Entire families have been wiped out, neighborhoods reduced to rubble, and the denial of basic necessities like water, food, and electricity has become a collective punishment.
She emphasizes that such actions are inhumane and against international law. With the conflict escalating, Gandhi expresses concern over the ominous prospects for the future, as senior Israeli officials have even spoken of destroying and depopulating large parts of Gaza.
Gandhi criticizes Israel’s categorization of all Palestinians as responsible for the actions of a few. In the pursuit of destroying Hamas, indiscriminate death and destruction have been unleashed upon the ordinary people of Gaza.
The Congress emphasizes the need to consider the sufferings of Palestinians throughout history and question the logic of holding an entire population responsible for the actions of a few.
Opposition Parties’ Response
Opposition parties in India have opposed the abstention of the country from voting on the UN resolution. They argue that the move goes against India’s principles and values. In response, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) emphasizes that India will never side with terrorism.
Sonia Gandhi’s strong opposition to India’s abstention on the Gaza vote at the UN reflects the Congress party’s longstanding position in support of a just and peaceful resolution to the Israel-Palestine conflict.
She highlights the immense humanitarian crisis and calls for an immediate cessation of military activity to prevent further suffering.
The Congress firmly believes that lasting peace can only be achieved through justice and the restoration of the two-state vision.
