Undiplomatic & Distasteful: Anand Sharma on Israel Envoy’s Remark
The recent exchange of words between the Israeli Ambassador to India, Reuven Azar, and Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi has sparked a controversy, with many condemning the Ambassador’s remarks as “undiplomatic, distasteful, and unacceptable”. Anand Sharma, a senior Congress leader, was one of the first to speak out against the Ambassador’s comment, terming it as “a reflection of the Israeli government’s approach to humanitarian issues”.
The incident began when Priyanka Gandhi, during a press conference, criticized the Israeli government’s handling of the Gaza crisis, calling it “shameful”. In response, Ambassador Azar took to Twitter to express his displeasure, saying, “What is shameful is your deceit”. The Ambassador’s remark was met with widespread condemnation from various quarters, with many calling it an attack on Priyanka Gandhi’s character.
Anand Sharma, who has been a vocal critic of the Israeli government’s policies in the past, was quick to react to the Ambassador’s comment. In a statement, he said, “The language used is undiplomatic, distasteful, and unacceptable. It is a reflection of the Israeli government’s approach to humanitarian issues, which is to deny the existence of a crisis and justify brutal killings of defenseless people.”
Sharma’s remarks were a clear reference to the ongoing crisis in Gaza, where over 60,000 people have been killed in the past several years due to Israeli military action. The Ambassador’s denial of the humanitarian tragedy in Gaza and his justification of the killings of innocent civilians have been widely condemned by human rights organizations and political leaders around the world.
The Indian government, however, has maintained a studied silence on the issue, with no official statement being issued on the matter. This has led to accusations that the government is trying to avoid taking a stand on the issue, which could have diplomatic implications for India.
Anand Sharma’s condemnation of the Ambassador’s remark is significant, as it reflects the Congress party’s long-standing support for Palestinian rights and its criticism of Israeli policies. In the past, the Congress party has been vocal in its opposition to Israeli actions in Gaza, and Sharma’s statement is seen as a continuation of that tradition.
However, not everyone is pleased with Sharma’s remarks. The Israeli Embassy in India has issued a statement denying any wrongdoing on the part of the Ambassador, saying that his remarks were “misinterpreted” and that he was only responding to “false allegations” made by Priyanka Gandhi.
The Embassy’s statement has been widely criticized, with many questioning the Ambassador’s right to respond to Priyanka Gandhi’s comments in such a personal manner. The Indian government has also been criticized for not taking a stronger stand on the issue, with many calling for a more robust response to the Ambassador’s remarks.
In conclusion, Anand Sharma’s condemnation of the Israeli Ambassador’s remark is a welcome development, as it reflects the Congress party’s commitment to upholding human rights and standing up for justice. The Ambassador’s denial of the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and his justification of the killings of innocent civilians is unacceptable and deserves strongest condemnation.
It is hoped that the Indian government will take a stronger stand on the issue, and not allow diplomatic considerations to stand in the way of upholding human rights and international law. The people of Gaza, who are suffering due to the Israeli occupation, deserve our support and solidarity, and it is the responsibility of governments and politicians to speak out against injustice and oppression.
