ANKARA

India’s main opposition party, the Indian National Congress, on Thursday condemned Israel’s plans to occupy Gaza City and expand illegal settlements in the occupied West Bank, while criticizing Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government for its “complete silence” on the issue.

“Israel has begun its military operations to take over Gaza City. Plans for expanding settlements in the occupied West Bank have also been announced. The Indian National Congress condemns both these moves,” said Jairam Ramesh, the party’s communications chief, in a post on US social media company X.

“It also very strongly deplores the Modi Govt's complete silence on Israel's unacceptable actions,” Ramesh added.

On Aug. 8, Israel’s Security Cabinet approved a plan to occupy Gaza City in the northern part of the enclave.

Prior to the Security Cabinet meeting, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in an interview that Israel aims to fully occupy the Gaza Strip.

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz has also approved the plan to occupy Gaza City.

According to reports, the plan envisions displacing about a million Palestinians to the south before besieging and occupying Gaza City after heavy bombardment.

On Aug. 18, Hamas announced that it had accepted a ceasefire and prisoner swap proposal presented by Egypt and Qatar, but Israel has yet to respond to the offer.

The Indian government, which supports a negotiated two-state solution, has been calling for a "ceasefire, release of all hostages and peaceful resolution of conflict through dialogue and diplomacy."

The South Asian nation has also emphasized the "need for safe, timely and sustained delivery of humanitarian assistance to the people of Palestine."

The UN on Wednesday condemned Israel’s decision to approve thousands of new housing units in the occupied West Bank.