Cong deplores Modi govt'€™s '€˜complete silence'€™ on Israel's '€˜unacceptable actions'

New Delhi, Aug 21 (PTI) With Israel set to mobilise reservists for an expanded Gaza operation and approve a settlement project in the West Bank, the Congress on Thursday condemned both these moves and said it "very strongly deplores" the Modi government's "complete silence on Israel's unacceptable actions".

Congress general secretary in-charge communications Jairam Ramesh said Israel has begun its military operations to take over Gaza City.

Plans for expanding settlements in the occupied West Bank have also been announced, he said.

"The Indian National Congress condemns both these moves. It also very strongly deplores the Modi Government's complete silence on Israel's unacceptable actions," Ramesh said.

Israel's military said Wednesday that it will call up tens of thousands of reservists and extend the service of others ahead of an expanded military operation it will carry out in Gaza City.

Defence Minister Israel Katz approved plans to begin a new phase of operations in some of Gaza's most densely populated areas, the military said.

Israel has also reportedly given final approval on Wednesday for a settlement project in the West Bank that would effectively cut the territory in two. PTI ASK KSS KSS