Opposition condemns Gaza violence

They demanded suspension of all military purchases from Israel

Opposition parties today condemned the violence in Gaza and pressed for adoption of a resolution by the Rajya Sabha against it besides demanding suspension of all military purchases from Israel as the House took up a discussion over the matter ending a week-long deadlock.

The House, which was paralysed over the issue last week, also saw demands from members for India raising its concern over the Israel attack on Gaza strip at the United Nations.

Initiating a discussion on the 'Unprecedented spurt in violence in Gaza and West Bank area of Palestine causing death of scores of civilians', Leader of Opposition Ghulam Nabi Azad slammed the government over the delay in discussing the issue questioning whether it has made any change in the country's foreign policy towards Palestine.

Accusing the government of acting as a "spectator" to the on-going "massacre" in Palestine, Azad said "I request the Indian government, the Opposition, the House and 124 crore people of the country to rise to the occassion on humanitarian grounds. A resolutiion should be passed... The use of force must stop...Prevent further loss of life and property in Palestine.

"A united appeal must be made. Government must realise India's stature and walk the talk. Entire House should condemn the attack and pass a resolution."

Striking an allegory of the Mahabharata, Azad rued that powerful countries of the world are just witnessing the happenings in Gaza like 'Dhritrashtra', the blind king, while a war is going on for last 15 days in which innocent women and children are being killed.

Noting that India's policy has always been to support the Palestine cause, he said at a time when the country is emerging as a democratic and economic power in the world, "India is sitting as mere spectator and it took us seven days to think whether we should even discuss it or not."

Condemnding the "genocide" in Palestine by Israeli forces, Sitaram Yechury (CPI-M) demanded "immediate suspension of all military purchases from Israel".