Priyanka Gandhi Accuses Israel of Genocide in Gaza; Israeli Ambassador Rebuts With Hamas Casualty Claim

In a sharp diplomatic exchange, Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi has accused Israel of committing genocide in Gaza, while the Israeli ambassador to India, Reuven Azar, has rejected the allegation, claiming that Israel has killed 25,000 Hamas militants.

On Tuesday, Priyanka Gandhi posted on her X account that the Israeli state is engaged in genocide, alleging that more than 60,000 people have been killed in Gaza, including 18,430 children. She added that hundreds, including many children, have died due to malnutrition, and millions face the threat of starvation. Calling the Indian government’s silence on the issue “shameful,” Gandhi criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s administration for failing to condemn Israeli actions.

Responding on Wednesday, Ambassador Azar accused Priyanka Gandhi of spreading “shameful deceit” and insisted that there is no genocide in Gaza. He argued that the high death toll is a result of Hamas’s “vile tactics,” such as hiding behind civilians, firing rockets, and targeting people attempting to evacuate or receive aid. Azar further claimed that Gaza’s population has grown by 450 percent over the past 50 years, contradicting claims of genocide.

Congress General Secretary Jairam Ramesh condemned the Israeli ambassador’s remarks and accused the Modi government of cowardice for not speaking out against Israel. He said it would be “pointless” to expect the Indian government to criticise the ambassador’s statement.

The exchange adds to ongoing global tensions over the Gaza conflict, as political leaders and diplomats clash over the scale of civilian suffering and responsibility for the violence.