Modi’s Praise for Netanyahu Amid Gaza Crisis Sparks Sharp Criticism from Congress
Congress calls PM Modi’s support for Israel’s Netanyahu “morally repugnant” and slams his silence on Palestine’s future.
New Delhi – Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s public praise for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, amid ongoing violence in Gaza, has drawn strong backlash from the opposition Congress party. Modi welcomed the first phase of a US-brokered ceasefire plan between Israel and Hamas, calling it a sign of Netanyahu’s “strong leadership.”
Reacting sharply, Congress General Secretary Jairam Ramesh condemned Modi’s remarks, calling them “shameful and morally repugnant.” He accused the Prime Minister of offering “unconditional praise” to a leader accused of genocide in Gaza over the past 20 months.
“While PM Modi is quick to praise Netanyahu, he has maintained a troubling silence on the future of a free and independent Palestinian state — a cause India officially recognized back in 1988,” Ramesh said in a statement on Thursday.
He further criticized Modi for failing to address Israel’s continued expansion of illegal settlements in the occupied West Bank, calling it a glaring omission.
“Mr. Modi welcomed the latest developments in Gaza and applauded President Trump’s so-called peace plan. His eagerness to endorse it is no surprise. But the real concern is his silence on Palestine and praise for Netanyahu, who has overseen devastating attacks on Gaza,” Ramesh added.
The ceasefire agreement, brokered as part of former US President Donald Trump’s Middle East peace proposal, marks a significant step in de-escalating the ongoing war. Under the deal, Israel and Hamas have agreed to temporarily halt fighting and carry out a limited hostage and prisoner exchange, offering a brief moment of relief after two years of intense conflict.
In a social media post, Prime Minister Modi wrote:
“We welcome the agreement on the first phase of President Trump’s peace initiative. It is a testament to the strong leadership of Prime Minister Netanyahu. We hope the release of hostages and increased humanitarian aid will bring relief to Gaza’s people and pave the way for lasting peace.”
However, critics argue that such statements ignore the massive humanitarian toll in Gaza, where thousands of civilians — including children — have reportedly been killed or displaced due to Israeli airstrikes and military operations.
Congress reiterated India’s traditional stance of supporting a two-state solution, urging the Modi government to speak up for Palestinian rights and sovereignty, rather than aligning itself unconditionally with Israeli leadership during a time of crisis.
