India’s main Opposition party, the Congress, on Tuesday accused the Narendra Modi government of turning its back on the Palestinian cause ahead of the Prime Minister’s two-day visit to Israel.
Congress general secretary in charge of communications, Jairam Ramesh, alleged that the government has “abandoned” Palestinians despite publicly claiming support for their aspirations.
“The Modi government makes cynical and hypocritical statements on its commitment to the cause of the Palestinians,” Ramesh said. “The reality is that it has abandoned them.”
Remarks on Gaza, West Bank and Iran Tensions
Ramesh said that Israel’s displacement of Palestinians in the occupied West Bank has intensified and drawn global condemnation. He also alleged that attacks on civilians in Gaza are continuing “mercilessly.”
Referring to regional tensions, he pointed to reports that Israel and the United States are considering possible air strikes on Iran.
“Yet the Prime Minister is going to Israel tomorrow to embrace his good friend Mr Netanyahu,” Ramesh said, referring to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who is facing corruption charges in Israel.
Israel Visit and Knesset Address
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to arrive in Israel on February 25 for a two-day visit. During his trip, he is expected to address the Knesset and hold talks with Netanyahu as well as Israeli President Isaac Herzog.
The visit has also become entangled in Israeli domestic politics. According to Ramesh, members of Israel’s opposition have threatened to boycott Modi’s address to the Knesset in protest against what they describe as attempts by Netanyahu’s government to weaken judicial independence.
Reports suggest that sections of the Israeli opposition may stay away from the address unless the country’s chief justice is invited in line with established parliamentary protocol.
Reference to India’s 1988 Recognition of Palestine
Ramesh reminded the government that India was among the earliest countries to recognise the State of Palestine on November 18, 1988. He argued that the current approach marks a departure from India’s long-standing position on Palestine.
The Indian government has not yet publicly responded to the Congress party’s remarks.
