Palestinian envoy seeks clear Indian stand against Israeli aggression

Palestinian Ambassador to India Adli Shaban Hassan Sadeq Sunday urged the Indian government to take a clear stand against Israel's aggression in Gaza and support the cause of Palestinians.

He also appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to take up the issue with US President Barrack Obama during his upcoming visit to America.

Addressing a news conference here, the Palestinian ambassador and Mazin Al-Masoudi, In-charge, League of Arab States Mission, wanted India to pressurize the US to strongly condemn Israel's atrocious stance on Palestine and prevent it from further aggressions.

The envoys praised the Indian politicians for expressing solidarity with the Palestinians by raising the issue in parliament. Recalling that India had traditionally supported the just cause of Palestinians, they hoped that New Delhi will continue this policy.

The ambassador said nearly 1,800 Palestinians including children and women were killed and 10,000 injured in the "barbaric attacks" by Israel in Gaza. Sadeq said he himself lost his grandson in one such attack two days ago.

"Israel must end its criminal warfare. Palestine is ready to establish a progressive relationship with Israel if it agrees to peaceful coexistence with Jerusalem as the capital of Palestine," he said.

Mazin dismissed the allegations that Saudi Arabia and United Arab Emirates (UAE) are funding Israel to eliminate Hamas. He pointed out that Saudi Arabia has always been a benevolent supporter of Palestinians and King Abdullah donated generously for oppressed people of Palestine.

Syed Vicaruddin, chairman, Indo-Arab League Hyderabad, presented a cheque of Rs.25 lakh to the ambassador of towards financial aid for the Palestinians in Gaza. The money will be used to purchase clothes, medicines and other essential commodities for the Palestinians in relief camps.

Vicaruddin said the issue of Palestinian suffering was above the divides of religion, creed and nationality. He called up on all Indians to support the cause of Palestine on humanitarian grounds and protest killings of young children, innocent men and women by Israel.

He pointed out that Muslims and others in Hyderabad and other Indian cities are boycotting Israeli products to register their protest.

Established in 1967, the Indo-Arab League is working to strengthen India's relations with Arab countries. It supports the cause of Palestinians.