Crackdown on Palestine Solidarity as India permits Pro-Israel Rallies

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The ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestine, particularly Israel’s aggressive bombing campaign in Gaza resulting in the deaths of thousands of people, has sparked outrage and global protests. However, in India, where the country was once known for its support of Palestine but now appears to be aligning more closely with Israel and the United States, pro-Palestine protesters are facing government targeting. The police in Uttar Pradesh state in India were looking for Atif Chaudhary and Suhail Ansari, two Muslim scholars, for having a WhatsApp display photo expressing solidarity with Palestine. They were charged with promoting enmity between social groups. Similar instances have occurred in other Indian states, with pro-Palestine protesters being detained or arrested, while no action was taken against Hindu far-right groups expressing support for Israel. Hindu nationalist groups in India have been organizing pro-Israel rallies, and some individuals have even offered to fight for Israel against Palestinians. This shift in India’s stance towards Israel and Palestine is in contrast to its historical support for the Palestinian cause. While India still officially supports Palestinians’ rights, including the immediate ceasefire, its position is not as strong as it used to be. India’s diplomatic relations with Israel have grown significantly, and it has become the largest buyer of Israeli-made weapons. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed friendship and solidarity with Israel on various occasions, and his government has emphasized establishing a sovereign state of Palestine alongside Israel. Critics argue that India’s response to the Gaza crisis has been inadequate, and suggest Modi’s closeness to Israel is aimed at appeasing his Hindu voter base. They also question why India did not call for a ceasefire and believe that it signals alignment with the United States’ position.

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