‘Total Silence on outrages’: Congress hits out at Centre over Gaza flotilla row as Ramesh flags Ben-Gvir video

The Congress party questioned the Centre’s silence on Israel’s handling of activists aboard a Gaza-bound aid flotilla. Citing global condemnation of National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, party’s General Secretary Jairam Ramesh pointed out that New Delhi “maintains total silence.”
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Pointing out that governments and organisations across the world have strongly condemned the manner in which Israel’s national security minister has dealt with activists of the Gaza-bound peace flotilla drawn from different countries, Ramesh, in an X post on Thursday, lamented that “true to form, the Modi Govt maintains total silence on such continuing outrages.”

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‎The Global Sumud Flotilla, carrying international activists and humanitarian aid, was intercepted by the Israeli military in international waters while attempting to reach Gaza amid Israel’s ongoing campaign and blockade. Media reports said Ben-Gvir triggered a diplomatic backlash after posting a video of himself taunting and mocking detained activists from the convoy, drawing criticism from several governments and rights groups for the treatment of peaceful volunteers.
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The Ministry of External Affairs has not yet commented on the flotilla incident. India has held a calibrated position since the Gaza war began in October 2023, denouncing the Hamas attacks, urging humanitarian access to Gaza, backing a ceasefire, and reiterating support for a two-state solution.
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‎Ramesh’s post is the latest in a series of Congress statements urging the government to speak more directly on civilian casualties and aid access in Gaza. The BJP has defended its stance as balanced, citing India’s ties with both Israel and Palestine and arguing that foreign policy must serve national interest.
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‎Several European nations and UN officials have called for the protection of humanitarian missions and peaceful activism following the flotilla interception. Israel says its naval blockade and security operations are aimed at stopping arms from reaching Gaza. END

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