Congress MP Rahul Gandhi has issued an official statement on the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, marking the party's first public comment on the matter. In a carefully balanced statement, Gandhi condemned violence and expressed concern for innocent civilians affected by the conflict.
Gandhi highlighted the killing of innocent civilians in Gaza and the disruption of essential services like food, water, and electricity, terming these actions as crimes against humanity. He also didn't shy away from criticizing Hamas, stating that their killing of innocent Israelis and taking of hostages should be condemned. Furthermore, he stressed the need to bring an end to the vicious cycle of violence between Israel and Palestine.
This statement comes at a time when the Congress party has faced scrutiny over its long-standing support for Palestine. Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge reiterated the party's backing for the rights of the Palestinian people. Kharge emphasized that the aspirations of Palestinians for a life of dignity, self-respect, and equality in a sovereign state are legitimate. The Congress party called for an immediate ceasefire and humanitarian assistance to the people of Gaza. It urged all parties involved to shift away from violence and war and instead engage in negotiations and diplomacy to fulfill the Palestinian people's aspirations while addressing Israel's security concerns.
The statement also strongly criticized the indiscriminate bombing of a hospital in Gaza and residential areas, which resulted in the loss of numerous innocent lives. The Indian National Congress condemned both the attacks by Hamas on Israel and the indiscriminate actions of Israel's military forces in civilian areas, including the siege of the Gaza Strip and bombings within it.
Rahul Gandhi's statement and the Congress party's position underscore their call for a peaceful resolution to the Israel-Palestine conflict and an end to the suffering of innocent civilians on both side.
