Amid controversy over the Congress Working Committee’s “support to the Palestinian cause” with the BJP alleging that the party took the stand keeping “vote bank politics” in mind, former Minister of External Affairs minister and party leader Salman Khurshid clarified that the party’s stand has nothing to do with the upcoming polls and that the Congress party has always stood for the Palestinian cause.
“I can tell you very, very clearly that it has nothing to do with elections and please remember what our position has been for several decades as far as Palestine and the rights of Palestinians is concerned. Therefore, there is no question of suddenly discovering this as an election issue,” Khurshid said in an interview to The Indian Express.
“Many countries are taking similar positions but they are not going to election. So, when you ask me that question I could put that question back to you as to whether the manner in which the Government of India so quickly put out a tweet without suitable consultations … did we consult with Russia, for instance? They remain an important factor. I think there are some consultations called for and necessary. But it is not for me to advise the government,” he said.
The Congress on Monday passed a resolution reaffirming its support to the Palestinian cause, without mentioning the attacks carried out by Hamas on Israel.
“The CWC expresses its dismay and anguish on the war that has broken out in the Middle East where over a thousand people have been killed in the last two days. The CWC reiterates its long-standing support for the rights of the Palestinian people to land, self-government and to live with dignity and respect. The CWC calls for an immediate cease-fire and for negotiations to begin on all outstanding issues including the imperative issues that have given rise to the present conflict,” the CWC resolution said.
On being asked why the resolution did not call out the terror attack by Gaza militant group Hamas, Khurshid said that since it is a developing situation, the party feels that it must keep “peace agenda on top”.
“Everything is not explicitly said at that one moment. This is an evolving situation. You don’t close what are productive, peaceful options by taking judgmental positions quickly when driven to take a final, firm view … Obviously, the Congress will take a final, firm view but today it is a developing situation in which the Congress feels that we should be putting the peace agenda on top and a peace agenda requires being able to talk to both sides,” he said.
“If the Qataris and Saudis are able to talk to both sides, they remain relevant to the peace process. Do we want to remain relevant or not? The Congress believes that we (India) should remain relevant to the peace process, whatever it takes … Final positions can always be taken in due course,” Khurshid added.
The former external affairs minister also said that the Congress takes a “strong humanitarian view” of the situation in the Middle East.
“I just wish that India had continued to be in some way engaged and involved in trying to bring peace in Palestine. We have had a historical record but, unfortunately, it seems that we are not there anywhere. Why that is so is very difficult to predict but we have been engaged up front in the past … right now we are not there,” he said.
“I understand that Egypt, Qatar, and so on are trying whatever they can but India is not anywhere in the picture and I feel somewhat disappointed,” Khurshid added.
The Israel and Hamas war has so far claimed the lives of over 2,100 people on two sides, reports AP. The war started on Saturday after the militant group Hamas launched a surprise attack on Israel, which formally declared war a day later.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed to destroy “the military and governing capabilities” of the militant group, which is deeply rooted in Gaza and has ruled unchallenged since 2007.
Israel vowed to lay siege to the Gaza Strip on Monday, saying saying authorities would cut electricity and prevent food and fuel from entering the territory. Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant said that the country was at war with “human animals”.