Condemning the ongoing genocide in Gaza by Israel, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin on Wednesday said the state assembly would pass a resolution calling for a ceasefire and urging the Union government to take all necessary steps to bring an end to the two-year-old war.
“The resolution will reflect the sentiments of the people of Tamil Nadu. Cutting across the political divide, I hope all parties would extend support to the resolution,” he said while addressing a protest rally in Chennai organised by the CPI(M) in support of an Independent Palestine and to put an end to the genocide. The rally was attended by the ruling DMK and its allies, including the Congress, CPI, VCK, and Manithaneya Makkal Katchi.
“What is happening in Gaza is a monstrous human catastrophe, and we can’t remain silent as if it is happening elsewhere. The indiscriminate bombing of Gaza by the Israeli Defence Forces, in violation of international human rights and the United Nations charter, has shaken the world. Israeli action needs to be condemned in the strongest terms. The Union government should take proactive steps with other nations and multilateral organisations to bring an end to this genocide,” he said.
Recounting the tragedy that has befallen Gaza, he said, “More than 50,000 people, including 11,000 women and 17,000 children, 175 journalists, and 125 UN staff, have been killed. Around 26,000 children have lost their parents. More than a lakh injured people are under treatment in hospitals. Despite a major part of Gaza having been destroyed, the Palestinian people continue to resist the Israeli invasion,” he said, describing the unfolding horror.
Even those waiting for food have not been spared, he said, and pointed out that the IDF had killed 45 people awaiting food supplies. “Volunteers from around 47 countries, who were carrying milk powder, food, and relief materials, were arrested. Can we remain silent spectators without condemning Israeli brutality, which is in total violation of international law?” he asked, adding, “World peace and human rights are universal. Human life is invaluable, and we have to protect it.”
Demanding a provision for the supply of essentials, including food and medicine to Palestine, he called for a rehabilitation programme for resettlement and reconstruction of Gaza. The Chief Minister also demanded that all prisoners be released. Later, in a post on ‘X’, he wrote, “The World is watching the Israeli offensive on Gaza, which violates all cannons of international law. India, being the largest democracy in the world, should not keep its eyes closed. India, which recognised Palestine in the very beginning, should once again take the right decision at this historical juncture. The resolution in the Assembly will press for the same.”