Israel’s Ambassador to India, Reuven Azar, has strongly rejected Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra’s allegations that Israel is committing genocide in Palestine, countering her statements with a detailed response.
Priyanka Gandhi Vadra had alleged on X that Israel “has murdered over 60,000 people, including 18,430 children, starved hundreds to death, and is threatening to starve millions,” adding that global silence amounts to complicity and criticising the Indian government for its stance.
Responding to her remarks, Azar said, “What is shameful is your deceit. Israel killed 25,000 Hamas terrorists. The terrible cost in human lives derives from Hamas’s heinous tactics of hiding behind civilians, shooting those trying to evacuate, and launching rockets.”
The envoy also defended Israel’s humanitarian efforts, stating, “Israel facilitated 2 million tonnes of food into Gaza while Hamas tries to seize them, thereby creating hunger,” and disputed genocide claims, noting that Gaza’s population has grown “450% in the last 50 years.” He cautioned, “Don’t buy Hamas numbers.”
The exchange comes amid heightened global debate over the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where escalating violence has drawn sharp criticism internationally.
Separately, Priyanka Gandhi condemned the killing of five Al Jazeera journalists in Gaza, calling it “a heinous crime” and accusing Israel of using “violence and hatred” to silence the truth. She praised the journalists’ courage, saying their work stood as a reminder of “what true journalism is” in a world where much of the media is “enslaved to power and commerce.”
The confrontation adds to mounting tensions as the Gaza conflict continues to draw international scrutiny over civilian casualties and press freedom.
