Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin joins CPI(M) protest, condemns Israel’s Gaza strikes, and announces a state Assembly resolution urging an immediate ceasefire and Indian intervention for peace….reports Asian Lite News
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin has called the humanitarian crisis in Gaza a matter of global concern, joining a protest organised by the Communist Party of India (Marxist) in Chennai on Wednesday. He also announced that the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly will move a resolution on October 14 urging an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and calling upon the Union government to intensify diplomatic efforts for peace.
Addressing a massive gathering near Rajarathnam Stadium in Egmore, Stalin said the resolution would reflect the collective sentiment of the people of Tamil Nadu and appealed to all political parties to support it. “The indiscriminate bombing by Israel in Gaza has violated international human rights and UN conventions. The world is shaken by the devastation. I expect all parties to support the resolution for peace,” he said.
“Humanitarian, not political”
Calling the Gaza conflict a “humanitarian issue beyond political boundaries”, Stalin said the war should not be seen as a matter between two nations but as an assault on humanity. “We should not see the Gaza strike by Israel as an issue between other countries. It must be seen as a humanitarian issue. I condemn the attack on the people of Gaza and appeal for an immediate halt to the strikes,” he said.
The Chief Minister highlighted the staggering human toll of the conflict, stating that more than 50,000 people had been killed so far, including 11,000 women, 17,000 children, 175 journalists and 125 UN officials. “Around 26,000 children have lost their parents. Over one lakh injured are still under treatment. The majority of Gaza’s land has been reduced to rubble, yet its people continue to resist the occupation,” he said, adding that the situation “pained every human heart”.
Referring to a recent incident in which 45 people waiting for food supplies were killed, Stalin said such attacks had outraged the conscience of the world. “Even volunteers from 47 countries carrying milk powder, food and relief materials were detained. Can we remain silent spectators to such atrocities that violate international law?” he asked.
He called the incident “an atrocity humanity cannot ignore.”
Centre urged to take moral stand
The Chief Minister urged the BJP-led Union government to take a stronger moral position and exert diplomatic pressure on Israel to end its offensive. “India must use its global voice to call for a ceasefire and uphold the principles of peace and justice,” he said.
He appealed to the Centre to coordinate with international organisations and allies to ensure humanitarian aid reaches Gaza without obstruction. “World peace and human rights are universal values. Every life is precious, and we have a moral duty to protect it,” he said, stressing the need for the immediate release of prisoners and civilians held during the conflict.
Stalin also called for sending food, medical supplies and rehabilitation aid to Gaza. “India must join global efforts for relief and reconstruction. The suffering of the people must end, and humanity must prevail,” he said.
Earlier this week, Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed progress in international peace efforts in Gaza, calling the indications of a possible hostage release “a significant step forward.” In a post on X, the Prime Minister said, “We welcome President Trump’s leadership as peace efforts in Gaza make decisive progress. Indications of the release of hostages mark a significant step forward. India will continue to strongly support all efforts towards a durable and just peace.”
The White House had released a peace plan following a meeting between US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, outlining steps for an immediate ceasefire if both sides agreed. According to the proposal, Gaza would become a deradicalised, terror-free zone, redeveloped for the benefit of its people, with Israeli forces withdrawing once hostages are released and hostilities end.
Tamil Nadu’s call for peace
Leaders from several allied parties joined the protest, including Tamil Nadu Congress Committee president Selvaperunthagai, CPI(M) state secretary P. Shanmugam, CPI(M) leaders K. Balakrishnan and U. Vasuki, CPI state secretary M. Veerapandian, and Manithaneya Makkal Katchi chief M.H. Jawahirullah.
The Chennai protest reflected Tamil Nadu’s growing political and public solidarity with the people of Gaza. With the state set to pass a formal resolution next week, Stalin’s move places Tamil Nadu among the few Indian states to officially urge peace in the war-torn region.
“The Gaza crisis concerns all humanity,” Stalin said in conclusion. “Our resolution is not just a political statement — it is a call for compassion, justice and peace.”
