JK cricketer wears Palestinian flag on helmet in domestic match:Police summon player and league organiser amid ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict

A cricketer’s display of the Palestinian flag during a domestic league match in Jammu and Kashmir has stirred controversy. Furqan Bhatt was playing in the Jammu and Kashmir Champions League on Wednesday. Batting for the local team JK11, Furqan wore the Palestinian flag on his helmet. Following the incident, the Jammu Rural Police have summoned the player for questioning. In addition, league organiser Zahid Bhatt will also be questioned. The war between Israel and Hamas has been ongoing since 2023. Gaza, the Palestinian territory, ruled by Hamas, has been the most affected. So far, more than 67,000 Palestinians have been killed, including 18,430 children (approximately 31%). 2 pictures of the match which is controversial What is India’s stand on Palestine? India’s stance on the Palestinian issue amid the Israel-Hamas conflict has been balanced. While India has supported Palestinian rights and the right to nationhood, it has also strongly condemned terrorist organisations such as Hamas. The Indian government has expressed deep concern over civilian casualties in Gaza and has sent medicines to Palestine on humanitarian grounds. India maintains that Israel has the right to self-defence, but stresses that the safety of civilians must be prioritised during military operations. Also Read | IPL stampede fall-out; KSCA Sec, Treasurer step down Two years of war have passed, Gaza Is in ruins It has been over two years since the Gaza conflict began, sparked by a Hamas attack. On 7 October 2023, Hamas infiltrated Israel and took approximately 251 people hostage. In response, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu immediately declared war and launched attacks against Hamas. In just two years, 98% of Gaza’s agricultural land has been rendered barren, leaving only 232 hectares fertile. Experts estimate it will take 25 years for agriculture to recover. The war has left 90% of Gaza’s 2.3 million people homeless. Many live in tents without access to water or electricity, and over half face starvation. Approximately 80% of the territory has become a military zone. According to a UN report, it could take 10 years and $1.2 trillion to clear the 51 million tonnes of debris accumulated in Gaza. About 80% of buildings have been destroyed, causing an estimated $4.5 trillion in damage. Also Read | Israel redraws Gaza map, seizes 50% territory Humanitarian impact More than 66,000 Palestinians have been killed. Hundreds of thousands displaced from northern and southern Gaza now live in tents without water, electricity, or medical aid. UN agencies report that over half are facing starvation. Among the victims, more than 67,000 Palestinians have died, including 18,430 children (around 31%). Approximately 39,384 children in Gaza have lost at least one parent, while 17,000 children have lost both parents. Relief organisations warn that Gaza is no longer a city but a makeshift camp for survivors.