News Brief
Palestinian Diplomat Meets Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, Says She Reaffirmed Support For Palestine
Priyanka Gandhi Vadra.
Abed Elrazeg Abu Jazer, Charge d’affaires of the Palestine Embassy in New Delhi, visited Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra at her residence to congratulate her on recent election victory from Kerala’s Wayanad constituency.
During the meeting, Priyanka reportedly criticised the continuation of the Israeli offensive in Gaza and expressed dismay at the silence of the international community on the humanitarian crisis.
“I met Priyanka Gandhi at her residence to congratulate her on her victory as a member of the Indian Parliament in the 18th Lok Sabha (Wayanad) constituency,” said Abu Jazer on Tuesday (10 December).
He added that Priyanka reaffirmed her support for the Palestinian people’s struggle for freedom and independence.
Priyanka, who has been vocal about her stance on the Gaza conflict, had in October last year accused Israel of violating international laws.
Earlier this year, she had criticised Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government over its actions in Gaza, calling them “genocidal” and urging global condemnation.
In July, Priyanka strongly condemned Israel’s offensive in Gaza, terming it “barbaric” and called for nations worldwide to force Israel to cease its actions.
According to a statement from the Palestinian Embassy, Priyanka said during the meeting, “She had lived the Palestinian cause since childhood and believed in its justice.”
She recalled meeting Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat during his visits to India to meet her grandmother Indira Gandhi and father Rajiv Gandhi, both former Indian Prime Ministers.
The Embassy highlighted her condemnation of the devastation in Gaza and the targeted attacks on civilians, including women and children.
“She regretted and grieved the scenes of destruction and devastation in Gaza... She offered her condolences to every mother who has lost her child,” the statement said.
Abu Jazer emphasized India’s potential role in mediating a ceasefire in Gaza and reiterated the longstanding ties between Palestine and India.
He recalled the friendly, historical relations of Palestine with the Indian Congress Party and all other Indian political parties.
