The Israel-Hamas war has reached its fifth day, with the overall death toll now exceeding two thousand. Israel pounded the Gaza Strip with airstrikes throughout the night, targeting hundreds of sites, while the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) indicated an imminent ground offensive in the Hamas stronghold. According to government sources, the death toll in Israel has surpassed 1,200.
In an interview with CNBC-TV18, Congress MP Shashi Tharoor stressed the importance of condemning terrorism, while also advocating for a more comprehensive approach in line with India's historical positions on the matter.
"We all join in the unequivocal condemnation of terrorism. There is absolutely no excuse for targeting innocent women, children and the youth attending the music festival. I think the condemnation of terrorism is absolutely vital. Having said that, we felt that Prime Minister Modi's statement could have been more complete. He could have also taken the opportunity to make the point that India has consistently made for the last 75 years which is that both Palestinians and Israelis have the right to live in peace and dignity behind secure and safe borders. I am not in any way excusing what Hamas did, there is no justification for terrorism, but I am just saying that a more comprehensive approach by India in keeping with its past stands on the matter would have been to say we condemn terror but we also want to see a lasting peace which will give decent lives and security to both Israelis and Palestinians," Tharoor said.
On Monday, the Congress Working Committee reaffirmed its longstanding support for the rights of the Palestinian people, including their right to land, self-government, and dignified living conditions. They called for an immediate ceasefire and negotiations to address outstanding issues.
Israel experienced an unexpected and unprecedented attack by Hamas, which controls the Gaza Strip, in its southern regions on Saturday morning. In retaliation, Israeli airstrikes reduced numerous buildings in Gaza to rubble. The Gaza health ministry reported a death toll of over a thousand, and the United Nations noted that over 2,60,000 people have been displaced from their homes.
Tharoor also believes that Qatar and Turkey are well-suited to act as mediators between Israel and Palestine.
In response to the distressing events in Israel, leaders from around the world swiftly condemned the attacks and expressed solidarity with the nation. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi conveyed his deep shock at the "terrorist attacks" on Israel and assured unwavering support. He stated, "Our thoughts and prayers are with the innocent victims and their families. We stand in solidarity with Israel at this difficult hour." The US White House also issued a strong condemnation of the attack carried out by "Hamas terrorists" on Israel, expressing unequivocal disapproval and stating, "The United States unequivocally condemns the unprovoked attacks by Hamas terrorists against Israeli civilians."
Furthermore, the Israeli-based security crowdfunding platform OurCrowd reported that some of their employees have been called up to serve in the army. Jonathan Medved, CEO of OurCrowd, expressed confidence that Israel will ultimately prevail in this war, describing it as a righteous, just, compassionate, and peace-loving country.
"We are not the only ones who have dealt with this kind of events. India knows what happened in Mumbai, the United States had its 9/11. When you attack a country that loves peace with a culture of death, destruction and barbarism, then you wake up a sleeping tiger. The way India responded, the way the United States responded to 9/11, is what Israel is doing now. Ultimately we will prevail because we are right, just, kind and peace-loving and have no choice," Medved said.
Medved also urged friends of Israel to join the online efforts against the disinformation being disseminated by the Hamas terrorist organisation.
Watch the accompanying video for the entire discussion
(Edited by : Ajay Vaishnav)
First Published: Oct 11, 2023 8:38 PM IST
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