Sonia Gandhi on Saturday strongly criticised the Narendra Modi-led government for what she called its “stony silence” over Israel’s military actions in Gaza, saying India’s position is hurting both its moral standing and strategic interests.
In an opinion article, Sonia Gandhi said India has failed to respond to the growing humanitarian crisis in Gaza, despite increasing global concern over civilian deaths and destruction.
Sonia Gandhi raises concern over Gaza crisis
Referring to a recent United Nations report on the occupied Palestinian territories, Gandhi said the findings showed large-scale destruction and the targeting of children and civilian infrastructure.
“The report is a harrowing read. It shows the extent of devastation in Gaza and the suffering of innocent people, especially children,” she wrote.
India Remains a Lone Voice of Silence on Gaza pic.twitter.com/rrpTvfeenP
— Congress (@INCIndia) June 27, 2026
She said more than 20,000 children have reportedly been killed and thousands more injured since the conflict began.
While condemning the October 7, 2023 attack by Hamas on Israel as “horrific” and “unacceptable,” Gandhi said Israel’s response had crossed all limits.
“The retaliation has been marked by wanton cruelty and barbarity,” she said, accusing Israeli leaders, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, of making statements that point to “genocidal intent.”
‘India remains silent’
Gandhi questioned why India, which has historically supported Palestine, has stayed quiet.
“India remains a lone voice of silence,” she wrote, adding that the Modi government had not responded even after fresh UN findings.
She argued that India’s traditional foreign policy was based on anti-colonial solidarity, sovereignty, and peace, but said that legacy was now being weakened.
“Today, India has become exceptional in its indifference to the suffering of Palestinians,” Gandhi said.
Strategic concerns over India-Israel ties
The Congress leader also said India was moving too close to Israel at a time when many countries were rethinking their relationship with the country.
She warned that this shift could damage India’s ties with long-time partners like Palestine, Iran, and several Middle Eastern countries.
“We have alienated our historical allies and distanced ourselves from global public opinion,” she wrote.
Gandhi also claimed that Pakistan was trying to position itself as a mediator in the region, a role she said India could have played because of its long-standing diplomatic ties.
Congress backs Sonia, BJP hits back
Senior Congress leaders, including Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi, backed Sonia Gandhi’s remarks.
Rahul Gandhi said India should “reclaim its independent foreign policy, uphold humanitarian values, and speak with moral clarity on Gaza.”
However, the BJP strongly criticised Sonia Gandhi’s article.
BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla accused Congress of doing “vote-bank politics” over foreign policy.
“Congress talks about Gaza but remains silent on attacks against Hindus elsewhere. India has already made its position clear on Palestine and continues humanitarian support,” he said.
