Priyanka Gandhi Condemns Netanyahu’s US Speech on Gaza Conflict
Priyanka Gandhi Vadra criticizes Israeli government over Gaza war following Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s speech in the United States.
26.07.2024: Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra harshly criticized the Israeli government on Friday for its ongoing war in Gaza, which has now entered its 10th month and resulted in nearly 40,000 deaths. She called on the global community to denounce Tel Aviv’s “genocidal actions” and to compel them to cease their attacks.
“It is the moral responsibility of every right-thinking individual, including Israeli citizens who do not believe in hatred and violence, and every government in the world to condemn the Israeli government… their actions are unacceptable in a world that professes civility and morality,” Priyanka Gandhi stated.
“It is no longer enough to speak up for 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.”
Her fierce criticism followed Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s speech on Wednesday in the United States, where he was given a standing ovation by the US Congress. “He calls it ‘a clash between barbarism and civilisation’… he is absolutely correct, except it is him and his government that are barbaric,” she said on X.
Netanyahu’s US Speech
In his address to a divided US Congress, Netanyahu emphasized America’s continued support, which includes military aid, and stated that the nations must unite for “civilisation to triumph.” Hours before his speech, massive protests took place in Washington, D.C., where crowds carrying Palestinian flags and placards called for a ceasefire and Netanyahu’s arrest.
Israel has vehemently rejected 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. The International Criminal Court’s prosecutor has also sought a warrant against Netanyahu.
Israel’s Raids on Gaza
As protests occurred, Israel conducted new raids, destroying homes in towns east of Khan Younis in southern Gaza and displacing thousands. Palestinians gathered at a hospital in Khan Younis before funerals for loved ones, criticizing the United States for welcoming Netanyahu.
A day after his speech, Netanyahu met Vice President Kamala Harris, who is expected to be the Democratic nominee for the 2024 Presidential election. Harris’s comments suggested a potential shift in American foreign policy. “What has happened in Gaza over the past nine months is devastating… We cannot look away in the face of these tragedies. We cannot allow ourselves to become numb. I will not be silent,” she declared.
India’s Position on the Israel-Gaza War
The Indian government reaffirmed its commitment to a peaceful resolution and support for a negotiated ‘two-state solution,’ aiming for the establishment of a sovereign, independent, and viable state of Palestine living in peace alongside Israel. In May, India strongly condemned the deaths of civilians and described the resulting humanitarian crisis as “simply unacceptable.”
Hamas’ October 7 Attack
The conflict intensified after Hamas-led fighters stormed into southern Israel on October 7, killing 1,200 people and taking 250 captives, according to Israeli reports. The ongoing war has resulted in nearly 40,000 deaths in Gaza, predominantly civilians and children, and has displaced millions, many more than once. Hamas and other militants still hold 120 hostages, with Israel believing around a third of them are dead. Despite months of negotiations, a deal for their release has yet to be reached.