Congress hits out after Israeli Ambassador rebukes Priyanka Gandhi over Gaza remarks, sparks debate on India’s free speech
Priyanka Gandhi’s Remarks on Gaza Conflict
Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra recently accused Israel of committing genocide in Palestine, citing over 60,000 deaths, including 18,430 children. She condemned the global silence over the conflict and criticised the Indian government for “standing silent” while devastation unfolds in Gaza.
Ms Gandhi Vadra also condemned the killing of five Al Jazeera journalists in Gaza, calling it a “heinous crime” and accusing Israel of attempting to silence truth through “violence and hatred”.
Israeli Ambassador Responds
Israel’s Ambassador to India, Reuven Azar, countered Priyanka Gandhi’s claims, stating that Israel had killed 25,000 Hamas terrorists and accusing Hamas of using civilians as shields.
He said Israel had facilitated the delivery of 2 million tonnes of food into Gaza, while Hamas attempted to seize the aid, creating hunger.
Congress Leaders Condemn Ambassador’s Comments
Congress spokesperson Pawan Khera called Mr Azar’s remarks against a sitting MP “unprecedented and intolerable,” tagging External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and demanding action against what he termed an attempt to “publicly intimidate” Priyanka Gandhi.
“Will Dr Jaishankar address the Israeli Ambassador’s public attempt to intimidate Priyanka Gandhi? Or has freedom of speech in India now begun to be regulated from Israel?” – Pawan Khera
Gaurav Gogoi echoed these concerns, labelling the remarks a “serious breach of privilege” and urging Parliament to act even if the government remained silent.
Growing Tensions Amid Gaza Crisis
The exchange between Priyanka Gandhi and Israel’s envoy comes amid escalating violence in Gaza, mounting civilian casualties, and deepening global debate over the humanitarian crisis.
With political temperatures rising, the Congress has positioned the row as a test of India’s democratic principles, while the Gaza conflict continues to fuel intense global and domestic debate.
