Priyanka Gandhi Vadra Accuses Israel of Genocide in Gaza, Draws Sharp Response from Ambassador

Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra launched a sharp attack on Israel over its ongoing war with Hamas, accusing the country of committing genocide in Gaza.

Her remarks prompted a strong rebuttal from Israel’s ambassador to India, Reuven Azar, who dismissed her claims and urged people not to “buy Hamas numbers.”

Vadra’s Allegations Against Israel

Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, MP from Wayanad, alleged that Israel had killed over 60,000 people, including children, and starved hundreds to death.

She accused the Narendra Modi-led government of remaining “silent” over what she described as genocide.

“The Israeli state is committing genocide. It has murdered over 60,000 people, 18,430 of whom were children. It has starved hundreds to death, including many children, and is threatening to starve millions. Enabling these crimes by silence and inaction is a crime in itself. It is shameful that the Indian government stands silent as Israel unleashes this devastation on the people of Palestine,” she wrote on X.

Israeli Ambassador’s Rebuttal

Ambassador Reuven Azar responded strongly to Vadra’s accusations. He claimed Israel had killed 25,000 Hamas terrorists and underlined the country’s humanitarian role in supplying aid to Gaza.

“What is shameful is your deceit. Israel killed 25,000 Hamas terrorists… Gaza population has grown 450 per cent in the last 50 years, no genocide there. Don’t buy Hamas numbers,” Azar posted.

He said Hamas was responsible for blocking humanitarian aid and putting civilians in danger.

“The terrible cost in human lives derives from Hamas’s heinous tactics of hiding behind civilians, their shooting of people trying to evacuate or receive assistance and their rocket fire. Israel facilitated two million tonnes of food into Gaza while Hamas tries to sequestrate them, thereby creating hunger.”

Condemnation of Journalists’ Killing

In a separate post, Vadra condemned the deaths of five Al Jazeera journalists in Gaza, accusing Israel of silencing truth through violence.

“The cold-blooded murder of five Al Jazeera journalists is yet another heinous crime committed on Palestinian soil. The immeasurable courage of those who dare to stand for the truth will never be broken by the violence and hatred of the Israeli state.

In a world where much of the media is enslaved to power and commerce, these brave souls reminded us of what true journalism is,” she wrote.

Context of the Gaza Conflict

The exchange between Vadra and Azar came as Israel prepared for a new offensive against Hamas strongholds. The conflict began on October 7, 2023, when Hamas militants attacked Israel, killing about 1,200 and taking 250 hostages.

Israel’s military retaliation has since killed over 60,000 people in Gaza, displaced nearly the entire population, and triggered a severe hunger crisis.

The United Nations recently reported delays and obstructions in aid coordination.

“On Monday, we requested to coordinate with the Israeli security service’s 16 missions, including the collection of food, medical supplies, and fuel from the two operational crossings, Kareem Shalom and Zikim,” UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said.

Congress Leaders Defend Vadra

The Israeli envoy’s remarks against Priyanka Gandhi Vadra were met with criticism from senior Congress leaders.

Pawan Khera condemned Azar’s comments, calling them an “unprecedented and intolerable” attack on a sitting Member of Parliament. He demanded that External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar act against the envoy’s “public attempt to intimidate” Vadra.

“That the Ambassador of a State accused of genocide worldwide would target a sitting Member of Parliament… is a direct affront to the dignity of Indian democracy,” Khera wrote on X. He also accused Israel of killing civilians in Gaza, “including those queuing for aid.”

Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi also criticized Azar, calling the envoy’s remarks a “serious breach of privilege.” He said Parliament must respond even if the government chose to remain silent.

Ongoing Debate and Rising Tensions

Priyanka Gandhi Vadra reiterated her stance, stressing that silence in the face of atrocities was itself a crime. “The Israeli state is committing genocide. It has murdered over 60,000 people, 18,430 of whom were children. It has starved hundreds to death including many children and is threatening to starve millions,” she posted.

Ambassador Azar, however, maintained that Israel’s actions targeted Hamas, not civilians, while emphasizing the aid facilitated into Gaza.

This heated exchange highlights the widening political and diplomatic divide in India over the Gaza war, as violence escalates and the humanitarian crisis deepens.