Kashmiri Politicians Slam US for Providing Weapons Amid Rafah Hostilities

Senior politicians in the Jammu and Kashmir region have slammed the United States and Israel in the wake of the recent bombing of Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip.

Mohammed Yousuf Tarigami, a four-time legislator from the Communist Party of India (Marxist), blasted the US, accusing it of providing weapons that are used to carry out the killing in Rafah.

"The tragedy is that condemnation by America, which is considered the most powerful nation, is visible, but it seems their anger is ostentatious. Their patronage [of Israel] continues. Their weapons are being used to carry out massacres against people in Rafah," Tarigami said at a press conference in Srinagar on Thursday. "We are requesting that the government of India and all democratic forces of India raise their voice against this barbarism so that this massacre comes to an end".

He then added: "Israel has continued its destructive policy of massacring common people. Despite widespread condemnation from the international community, the bombing of Rafah continues, as a result of which many have been killed".

The press conference followed a scathing statement by Farooq Abdullah, president of the regional National Conference party.

Abdullah, who is a former Jammu and Kashmir state chief and currently member of parliament, condemned the Israeli actions in Rafah, terming them as "genocidal".

The lawmaker, who also served as a Cabinet minister in the Indian federal government between 2009 and 2014, called on the government to "show steadfast dedication to the cause of Palestine by extending humanitarian assistance to the war-torn people".

"No condemnation is enough for the massacre being carried out by the Israeli army in Rafah. Such brute aggression and genocidal acts targeted against civilians including children are in gross violation of international humanitarian law. Israel should heed the overwhelming calls of the international community to cease its attacks on innocent people in Gaza particularly in Rafah," Abdullah said.

"India has always stood with the people of Palestine and now is the time to do it. By doing so India will not only uphold its moral obligations, but will also reinforce its status as a beacon of hope and solidarity in the global community", the politician underscored, adding that New Delhi should adhere to its commitments and ensure that the aggression against the people of Gaza stops.

The Kashmir region has traditionally supported the Palestinian people by holding street protests and demonstrations. The region also observes International Quds Day, an annual pro-Palestinian event held on the last Friday of the holy month of Ramadan.

On April 5, massive rallies were held in Kashmir to express support for the Palestinian people. Locals in Srinagar took to the streets for a large procession, waving Palestinian flags and raising anti-US and anti-Israel slogans.