Undiplomatic & Distasteful: Anand Sharma on Israel Envoy’s Remark
The recent diplomatic row between India and Israel has taken a drastic turn with the Israeli Ambassador to India, Reuven Azar, making a highly controversial remark about Priyanka Gandhi, a prominent leader of the Indian National Congress. The comment, which has been widely condemned, has sparked outrage and anger among many in India, with the Congress party’s Anand Sharma leading the charge against the Israeli diplomat.
In a strongly worded statement, Sharma described the language used by Azar as “undiplomatic, distasteful, and unacceptable”. The Congress leader was reacting to Azar’s comment, which was made during an interview with a news channel. In the interview, Azar was asked about Priyanka Gandhi’s statement on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, in which she had expressed her sympathies with the people of Gaza. Azar responded by saying, “What is shameful is your deceit.”
Sharma’s reaction to Azar’s comment was swift and firm. He not only condemned the Israeli Ambassador’s language but also took issue with his denial of the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. “The Israeli Ambassador’s brazen denial of the humanitarian tragedy in Gaza and justification for brutal killings of over 60,000 defenceless people, including women and children, deserves the strongest condemnation,” Sharma said.
The Congress leader’s statement has been widely welcomed by many in India, who have expressed their anger and frustration at Azar’s remark. Many have taken to social media to express their outrage, with the hashtag #UndiplomaticAndDistasteful trending on Twitter.
The controversy surrounding Azar’s comment has also highlighted the growing tensions between India and Israel. The two countries have traditionally enjoyed good relations, but in recent years, there have been concerns about Israel’s human rights record and its treatment of the Palestinian people.
The Israeli-Palestinian conflict has been a highly contentious issue for many years, with both sides claiming ownership of the disputed territories. The conflict has led to the deaths of thousands of people, including civilians, and has caused widespread destruction and displacement.
In recent months, the situation in Gaza has become increasingly volatile, with Israeli forces conducting regular airstrikes and the Palestinian militant group Hamas launching rockets into Israel. The situation has been further exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, which has placed a significant strain on the healthcare systems in both countries.
Despite the tensions, India has traditionally maintained good relations with both Israel and Palestine. However, in recent years, there have been concerns about India’s growing ties with Israel, particularly in the areas of defence and trade.
The controversy surrounding Azar’s comment has also raised questions about the role of diplomatic missions in India. Diplomats are expected to maintain a level of decorum and respect, particularly when commenting on sensitive issues. However, Azar’s remark has been widely condemned as a breach of diplomatic protocol.
In conclusion, Anand Sharma’s reaction to Azar’s comment has been widely welcomed by many in India, who have expressed their outrage and frustration at the Israeli Ambassador’s remark. The controversy has highlighted the growing tensions between India and Israel and has raised questions about the role of diplomatic missions in India.
