Congress slams govt for abstaining on UN Gaza ceasefire vote

New Delhi: The Congress on Saturday criticised the government for abstaining from the latest UN General Assembly resolution calling for a ceasefire in Gaza, alleging that India's stance marked a departure from its long-held positions on peace and justice.

The party questioned whether India had "abandoned its principled stand against war, genocide, and for justice." Wayanad MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra went a step further, claiming that India's current position amounted to "cheering" the Netanyahu-led Israeli strikes on Iran.

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge said: "While 149 countries voted in favour of a UNGA resolution calling for a Gaza ceasefire, India was among just 19 nations that abstained. We stand virtually isolated. Have we abandoned India's consistent stand advocating for ceasefire, peace, and dialogue in the Middle East?"


Priyanka Gandhi Vadra said: "It is shameful and disappointing that our government chose to abstain from a UN motion seeking the protection of civilians and the upholding of legal and humanitarian obligations in Gaza. This is a tragic reversal of our anti-colonial legacy. Not only are we silent as Mr. Netanyahu annihilates an entire nation, we are cheering on as his government attacks Iran and assassinates its leadership, violating sovereignty and international norms."