New Delhi [India], June 14 (ANI): Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi on Saturday criticised the Union government for abstaining from the United Nations motion for the protection of civilians and upholding legal and humanitarian obligations in Gaza, calling the move 'shameful'.

Gandhi, in a post on X, said that there is no justification for this move, adding that the true global leadership demands the courage to defend justice.

The Wayanad MP said that India is not only standing silently as Benjamin Netanyahu 'annihilates' an entire nation, but it is also 'cheering' on as his government attacks Iran and assassinates its leadership in 'flagrant' violation of its sovereignty and complete contravention of all international norms.

'It is shameful and disappointing that our government has chosen to abstain on the UN motion for the protection of civilians and upholding legal and humanitarian obligations in Gaza,' the Congress leader said on X.

Stressing the deaths of women and children in Gaza, she said, '60,000 people, mostly women and children, have been killed already; an entire population is being confined and starved to death, and we are refusing to take a stand.'

'This is a tragic reversal of our anti-colonial legacy. In fact, not only are we standing silent as Mr Netanyahu annihilates an entire nation, but we are also cheering on as his government attacks Iran and assassinates its leadership in flagrant violation of its sovereignty and complete contravention of all international norms,' the Congress Lok Sabha MP added.

'How can we, as a nation, just abandon the principles of our constitution and the values of our freedom struggle that led the way for an international arena based on peace and humanity?' she questioned, saying there is no justification for it.

'True global leadership demands the courage to defend justice; India has shown this courage unfailingly in the past. 'In a world that is increasingly divisive, we must reclaim our voice for humanity and stand fearlessly for truth and non-violence,' Gandhi added.

Earlier, during the winter parliament session last year, Priyanka Gandhi was seen carrying a bag which had 'Palestine' written on it and several emblems embedded in it, including a watermelon, a symbol which is often associated with Palestinian solidarity.

On Friday, the United Nations General Assembly adopted a permanent resolution demanding an immediate and permanent ceasefire in Gaza.

A total of 149 countries voted in favour of a ceasefire in Gaza in the UNGA; meanwhile, 19 countries abstained and 12 nations voted against the resolution. (ANI)