New Delhi — The India Palestine Solidarity Forum (IPSF), a collective of civil society members and rights activists, has sent a detailed memorandum to all Members of Parliament in the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, urging them to publicly demand an immediate and permanent ceasefire in Gaza and condemn what they termed as Israel’s “genocidal war.”
The appeal comes in the backdrop of the continuing devastation in Gaza and the West Bank, where Israeli military actions, supported by Western allies, have led to thousands of deaths, severe food shortages, and a humanitarian emergency that has drawn international concern. Despite a global outcry, Israel has reportedly blocked more than 22,000 humanitarian aid trucks from entering Gaza, worsening starvation and malnutrition among the civilian population.
The memorandum calls on Indian lawmakers to reaffirm their support for a sovereign Palestinian state in accordance with UN resolutions and India’s longstanding diplomatic position. It criticizes the Indian government’s muted response in recent international forums.
Referring to a recent UN Security Council debate, the letter pointed out that although India’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Parvathaneni Harish, stressed the need for a ceasefire and humanitarian access, he failed to directly name or condemn Israel.
“This kind of doublespeak is unacceptable to the people of India,” the letter stated. “We expect our representatives to take a clear stand against war crimes, forced starvation, and ethnic cleansing.”
IPSF President Dr. Sunilam emphasized the need for the Indian government to “unequivocally and categorically condemn” Israel’s actions, citing India’s historic anti-colonial stance and moral leadership on global issues.
The letter has been endorsed by a number of prominent public figures, including veteran freedom fighter Dr. G. G. Parikh, activist Medha Patkar, Tushar Gandhi, senior advocate Prashant Bhushan, journalist Saeed Naqvi, filmmaker Anand Patwardhan, former Justice Kolse Patil, and many others from various backgrounds.
“It is inhuman that thousands of Palestinian children, women, and men have been killed. War violates our core values of non-violence,” said Medha Patkar. “India must act according to Article 51 of its Constitution and promote peace and harmony.”
RJD MP Manoj Jha, known for his vocal support of Palestine, responded to the letter and shared his views, criticizing India’s passive foreign policy. However, several MPs from the Congress and BJP did not respond to queries on the issue.
IPSF also informed that a questionnaire has been sent to MPs, asking for their views on Israel’s actions, Western imperialism, and the Indian government’s position. They also plan to personally hand over the memorandum to parliamentarians in the coming days.
The letter further urged political leaders to reject disinformation, protect independent journalism, and stand against the impunity enjoyed by powerful nations. It called upon India to reclaim its moral voice in international affairs.
“Let history not record that India, once honored for its struggle against injustice, remained silent when its stand mattered most,” the IPSF letter concluded.
