Aam Aadmi Party MP and India’s former ambassador to Norway, Harinder Singh Khalsa, has issued the following statement :

External affairs minister Ms Sushma Swaraj’s unjustified refusal to adopt a unanimous resolution in the Rajya Sabha against the Israeli aggression on Gaza, marks a sad and unfortunate departure from India’s long standing policy on the issue.

Mr Narendra Modi-led BJP government has betrayed the people of Palestine, who consider India to be their friend and look towards our country for crucial support in their struggle against the continuing assaults by Israel on them.

It is extremely shocking that the Modi government has virtually chosen to turn a blind eye to one of the worst attacks in current times, in which according to international media, atleast 500 Palestinians, mainly civilians have been killed in Israeli attacks during last 13 days.

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) views Ms Swaraj’s statement in the Rajya Sabha that Isreal and Palestine should hold peace talks, as completely untenable since the minister has tried to equate the aggressor with the victim.

According to the AAP, the Modi government’s stand on Palestine has broken the traditional consensus which existed so far on issues of foreign policy. Till now, irrespective of the party in power, our parliament succeeded in sending a united signal to the world on the foreign policy.

The Modi government is displaying a clear pro-Israeli bias, which is becoming more pronounced with each passing day and statement. The government’s stand on atrocities against Palestinians is inexplainable to say the least.

India has good relations with Sri Lanka, but that has so far not prevented our parliament from discussing the atrocities on Tamils there, which shows that Modi government’s logic of having relations with both Israel and Palestine being the reason for not passing a resolution in Parliament does not hold water.

The AAP will continue to raise its voice for the Palestinian cause and against the gross human right violations by the Israeli military, especially the air force, on Palestinian civilians in Gaza, which is against the principles of all international treaties and conventions.

Currrently, the Palestinian people are living under an oppressive military rule. It is clear, as recommended by various international bodies including those affiliated to the UN, that the demand for an independent and unified Palestine is an urgent necessity. (ENDS)