11th October 2023,Mumbai: Hamas launched a massive attack on Israel, marking the most significant assault in 50 years since the 1973 Yom Kippur War, resulting in over 2,000 casualties on both sides. While addressing the Israel-Hamas conflict, Indian Congress MP Shashi Tharoor expressed solidarity with Israel but called for a more comprehensive perspective.
Incomplete Solidarity: Understanding Modi’s Stance
Shashi Tharoor acknowledged Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s solidarity with Israel during this crisis but deemed his statement “incomplete.” Tharoor stressed the need to recognize the broader context, emphasizing the ongoing issue of dehumanizing occupation in various regions.
Occupation and Restrictions in Palestine
Tharoor highlighted the challenges faced by Palestinians, such as the prolonged confinement of Gazans and the hindrance of movement and living conditions for West Bank residents. He shed light on the complex realities Palestinians endure.
Hamas’s Surprise Attack and Israeli Response
Hamas carried out a surprise attack on Israel, escalating tensions during a national holiday. Their assault involved boats, motorgliders, and trucks, resulting in the killing of civilians and the taking of Israeli soldiers as hostages. In response, the Israeli Defense Forces launched a counterattack on the Gaza Strip.
Condemning Violence and Terrorism
Shashi Tharoor strongly condemned the violence, characterizing Hamas’s actions as a brutal terror operation that claimed innocent lives, including children, the elderly, and festival attendees. He joined the global condemnation of this terrorist act.
Tragedy Near Gaza Strip: The Impact on Innocent Lives
Israeli rescue service Zaka reported the recovery of around 260 bodies from a music festival near the Gaza Strip that came under attack by Hamas militants. The tragic incident highlighted the devastating consequences of the conflict on innocent civilians.
Settlements and Stagnation: The Palestinian Plight
Tharoor addressed the continuous construction of settlements for Jewish settlers in occupied territories, a practice that has persisted for years, worsening the Palestinian predicament. He also mentioned the stagnation in the two-state solution and the challenges posed by Israel’s government.
India’s Historical Position on Peace and Dignity
Tharoor emphasized that his views align with India’s traditional stance, advocating for both Israelis and Palestinians to live in peace and dignity behind secure borders. He expressed concern over the escalating death toll on both sides and called for an end to the violence and a restoration of peace.
Congress’s Resolution Supporting Palestinian Rights
The Congress Working Committee (CWC) passed a resolution supporting the rights of the Palestinian people, including the right to land, self-government, and dignified living conditions. The resolution called for an immediate ceasefire and negotiations to address the underlying issues causing the conflict.
Evolving Reactions: BJP’s Political Stance
Tharoor noted that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) was making the issue political, but he stressed that the situation is evolving. He clarified that the CWC’s focus was primarily on domestic issues, specifically a socio-economic and caste census. The Issue of the Israel-Hamas conflict was addressed briefly in the resolution, reflecting an evolving view on the matter.
-by Kashvi Gala