She expressed profound grief over the destruction and loss of life in Gaza, particularly the tragic deaths of women and children, and extended her condolences to all mothers who have lost their children in the conflict
In a significant diplomatic meeting, Dr Abed Elrazeg Abu Jazer, the Palestinian Charge d’Affaires in New Delhi, met with Priyanka Gandhi at her residence to extend congratulations on her recent victory in the parliamentary elections from the Wayanad constituency. During the meeting, the two discussed the ongoing conflict in Gaza, the Palestinian struggle for freedom and independence, and the long-standing friendship between India and Palestine.
Priyanka Gandhi expressed her unwavering support for the Palestinian people, emphasizing her deep-rooted belief that their cause should find justice. She recalled her childhood experiences of meeting the late Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat, during his visits to India, to engage with former prime ministers Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi. She remembered these early encounters and expressed her admiration for the Palestinian cause, highlighting the historical and strong ties between the Palestinian and Indian people.
In a statement issued by her, Priyanka Gandhi strongly condemned the ongoing Israeli military actions in Gaza and voiced her concern over the international community’s lack of response to the devastation. She expressed profound grief over the destruction and loss of life in Gaza, particularly the tragic deaths of women and children, and extended her condolences to all mothers who have lost their children in the conflict.
Abu Jazer, for his part, reaffirmed the crucial role India plays in the Middle-East and its importance in pushing for a ceasefire in Gaza. He emphasized India’s long-standing support for Palestinian rights to freedom, self-determination and stability. Reflecting on the enduring relationship between India and Palestine, he noted the historical bond shared between the two nations, particularly with the Congress party, and urged India to continue to play a pivotal role in the region.
The Charge d’Affaires also called upon India to take a leading role in the reconstruction of Gaza, an area that has suffered severe destruction in the ongoing conflict. He highlighted the critical need for international support, particularly from India, in rebuilding vital infrastructure, and providing assistance to the Palestinian people. He emphasized that the people of Palestine hold India in high regard due to their shared history and the support of Indian leaders for their cause.
This meeting reflects the strong political and diplomatic ties between India and Palestine over many decades, with both sides expressing a commitment to foster peace and addressing the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Priyanka Gandhi’s support for the Palestinian people resonates with India’s broader stance on the Middle-East, where it has historically advocated for the rights of the Palestinian people.
As the situation in Gaza remains dire, the deep concern and expressed solidarity of leaders like Priyanka Gandhi underscore the importance of continued international pressure for a ceasefire and long-term peace in the region. The meeting highlights the role India can play in the days to come, not only in the political realm, but also in humanitarian efforts, in terms of emergency aid, including medical aid, to the suffering people of Palestine, and in the future reconstruction of Gaza, which has been almost totally destroyed by bombing and the one-sided war being waged on unarmed people.