Daijiworld Media Network – New Delhi

New Delhi, Feb 24: The Indian National Congress on Tuesday alleged that the Centre has “abandoned” the Palestinian cause, criticising Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s proposed visit to Israel amid continuing hostilities in Gaza.

Congress general secretary (communications) Jairam Ramesh said the Modi government makes “cynical and hypocritical” statements about its commitment to Palestine but has, in reality, distanced itself from the issue.

In a post on X, Ramesh said Israel’s dispossession and displacement of thousands of Palestinians in the occupied West Bank has intensified, drawing global condemnation. He further alleged that attacks on civilians in Gaza are continuing “mercilessly”.

The Congress leader also referred to reported plans by Israel and the United States for possible air assaults on Iran, stating that the regional situation remains volatile.

“Yet the Prime Minister is going to Israel tomorrow to embrace his good friend Mr Netanyahu, who faces very serious corruption charges,” Ramesh said, targeting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

He further claimed that sections of the Opposition in Israel were threatening to boycott Modi’s address to the Israeli Parliament, alleging concerns over judicial independence in the country.

Ramesh asserted that India was among the earliest nations to recognise the State of Palestine on November 18, 1988, and accused the present dispensation of departing from that legacy.

Prime Minister Modi is scheduled to arrive in Israel on February 25 for a two-day visit. During the trip, he is expected to address the Knesset and hold meetings with Prime Minister Netanyahu and President Isaac Herzog.

The visit has also sparked political debate within Israel, with reports suggesting opposition leaders have raised procedural and political objections linked to the Prime Minister’s parliamentary address.