Priyanka Gandhi Comments on Netanyahu’s Address to the US
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New Delhi:
Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Friday strongly criticized the Israeli government for its ongoing war on Gaza, now in its 10th month, which has resulted in nearly 40,000 deaths. She urged the global community to denounce Tel Aviv’s “genocidal actions” and take action to halt them.
“It is the moral responsibility of every right-thinking individual, including Israeli citizens who oppose hatred and violence, and every government worldwide to condemn the Israeli government… their actions are unacceptable in a world that claims civility and morality.”
“It is no longer sufficient to merely speak up for civilians, mothers, fathers, medical professionals, aid workers, journalists, educators, artists, senior citizens, and the countless innocent children who are being eradicated daily by the horrific genocide taking place in Gaza.”
Her sharp criticism of the Israeli government, which she described as “barbaric,” followed Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s speech in the United States on Wednesday.
It is no longer enough to speak up for the civilians, mothers, fathers, doctors, nurses, aid workers, journalists, teachers, writers, poets, senior citizens and the thousands of innocent children who are being wiped out day after day by the horrific genocide taking place in Gaza.…
— Priyanka Gandhi Vadra (@priyankagandhi) July 26, 2024
“… we are subjected to the image of the Israeli Prime Minister receiving a standing ovation in the US Congress,” she said on X. “He (the Israeli leader) calls it ‘a clash between barbarism and civilisation’… he is absolutely correct, except it is him and his government that are barbaric.”
“…and their barbarism is supported without reservation by most of the western world…”
“It is truly a shame to watch,” the Congress leader stated.
Israel Prime Minister’s US Speech
Mr. Netanyahu, addressing a divided US Congress on America’s continued support, which has included military aid, declared that the nations must unite for “civilisation to triumph”.
Hours before his speech, massive protests occurred in Washington, D.C.
Crowds carrying Palestinian flags and placards gathered outside the Capitol, calling for a ceasefire and Mr. Netanyahu’s arrest, even as prosecutors seek an international warrant.
Israel has denied accusations brought by South Africa at the United Nations’ top court that its military operation in Gaza is a state-led genocide campaign against Palestinians. It has reacted angrily to the International Criminal Court prosecutor’s decision to seek a warrant against Mr. Netanyahu.
Israel Attacks On Gaza Strip
Meanwhile, as the protests were happening, Israel conducted new raids, destroying homes in towns east of Khan Younis in southern Gaza, displacing thousands, residents reported.
Some Palestinians gathered at a hospital in Khan Younis before funerals for families and loved ones, criticizing the United States, Israel’s most important international ally, for welcoming Mr. Netanyahu.
A day after his speech, Mr. Netanyahu met Vice President Kamala Harris, who is the presumptive Democratic nominee for the 2024 Presidential election. Ms. Harris’ comments seemed to signal a shift in American foreign policy, at least in the final days of Joe Biden’s administration.
“Will Not Be Silent”: Kamala Harris
“What has happened in Gaza over the past nine months is devastating…” she said. “We cannot look away in the face of these tragedies. We cannot allow ourselves to become numb. I will not be silent.”
“We cannot look away in the face of these tragedies. We cannot allow ourselves to become numb to the suffering and I will not be silent,” Ms. Harris declared.
The US this week announced that negotiations on a ceasefire-for-hostages deal were progressing, and that Mr. Biden and Mr. Netanyahu would discuss the agreement during the latter’s US visit.
India’s Position On Israel-Gaza War
The Indian government reaffirmed last week its commitment to a peaceful resolution and support for a negotiated ‘two-state solution’, which will lead to “the establishment of a sovereign, independent and viable state of Palestine, living… side by side at peace with Israel”.
In May, the government offered a stronger reaction, condemning civilian deaths and calling the resulting humanitarian crisis in the region “simply unacceptable.”
Hamas’ Oct 7 Attack
Hamas-led fighters stormed into southern Israel on October 7, killing 1,200 people and taking 250 captives, according to Israeli tallies, triggering a war in which nearly 40,000 people in Gaza have been killed, most of whom are civilians and children, and millions displaced, many more than once.
Hamas and other militants are still holding 120 hostages; Israel believes around a third of them are dead. Months of stop-and-start talks have failed to produce a deal to secure their release.
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