Govt urged to take firm standing on Mid-east conflict

By A Staff Reporter,Kathmandu, Nov. 21: Various political parties and civil society organisations have urged Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli to oppose Israel’s ongoing attacks on Palestine.

Representatives, including CPN (Maoist Centre) senior vice-chairman and former Deputy Prime Minister Narayan Kaji Shrestha, met Prime Minister Oli at the latter’s official residence in Baluwatar on Wednesday and urged him that the government should take a firm stance against Israel’s actions in Palestine and Lebanon in international forums.

The group submitted a memorandum demanding a shift in Nepal’s neutral foreign policy. They said Nepal should advocate for a clear position on platforms like the United Nations in support of those who are suffering.

The memorandum also emphasised the safe repatriation of Nepali national Bipin Joshi, currently under Hamas control, along with thousands of Nepali workers in Israel.

In response, Prime Minister Oli stated that Nepal stands for global peace, human rights and justice. He explained that neutrality does not equate to tolerating injustice, noting, “Neutrality does not mean letting the strong dominate while the weak endure.”

He assured the delegation that the government aligns with the issues raised in their appeal. “We support world peace. We will not engage in military alliances or fight against any power, but we will oppose injustice,” PM Oli said. “Our position is not for passive peace but for just peace and human rights protection.”

CPN (MC) general secretary Dev Prasad Gurung, Rastriya Janamorcha leader Durga Poudel, CPN (Unified Socialist) secretary Sher Bahadur Kunwar, Krantikari Communist Party senior leader CP Gajurel, Janata Samajwadi Party Nepal foreign department chief Arjun Thapa, Pragatisheel Rupantaran Andolan activist Shyam Shrestha, among others, were in the delegation.