Saralnama
The Indian National Congress condemned Israel's decision to mobilize reservists for an expanded military operation in Gaza City and approve a settlement project in the West Bank. Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh stated that Israel has begun operations to take over Gaza City and announced plans to expand settlements in the occupied West Bank. The party strongly deplored the Modi government's silence on these actions. Israel's military confirmed calling up tens of thousands of reservists and extending service ahead of the new phase of operations in densely populated Gaza areas, with Defence Minister Israel Katz approving the plans. The settlement project in the West Bank reportedly aims to divide the territory. Earlier, Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra accused Israel of committing genocide and criticized the Indian government for its silence amid the devastation in Palestine, citing over 60,000 deaths including 18,430 children. The Congress has expressed solidarity with Palestinians and condemned Israel's actions in Gaza. This statement was issued on August 21, 2025, from New Delhi. (Updated 21 Aug 2025, 18:31 IST; source: link)