In a move that would warm the cockles of its Left allies’ hearts, the Congress on Monday expressed “serious concern” over the prevailing situation in Gaza and urged for an “immediate lifting of the blockade” by Israeli forces to allow urgently needed relief supplies to reach the besieged civilian population. “The recent developments in Gaza, escalation of violence and the siege by Israeli forces have caused distress and severe hardship to the civilian population, especially the women and children,” said an AICC press release today. “The AICC hopes that all sides would abjure violence and abide by their agreed international obligations for an early negotiated resolution of all disputes,” said the release issued by Tom Vadakkan, AICC secretary, media cell.The Congress reaction came in the wake of severe criticism of the UPA Government by the Left on the issue. Last week, the CPI(M) Politburo condemned the Israeli action in Gaza and criticised the UPA Government for its “silence” on “this criminal blockade by Israel”. “The UPA Government should demand an end to the blockade of the Gaza Strip forthwith. It should call for an urgent Security Council session to discuss the matter,” said the Politburo on January 22. At a Special Session of the UN Human Rights Council on January 23, India had advocated “negotiations and dialogue” for just, comprehensive and lasting peace in the region. India had called on all sides to reject violence, respect human rights, and to take steps to defuse the growing tension.The Congress’s belated stand on the issue is set to please the Left allies. This also comes in the backdrop of the Left’s criticism of the UPA Government on the issue of an “independent foreign policy”, especially in the context of the nuclear deal. By questioning the “siege” by Israeli forces, the Congress has sent out a strong signal to its Left allies before the two sides go to the negotiating table after the completion of talks with the IAEA on India-specific safeguards.
