The Palestinian embassy in India has issued an urgent appeal for help, warning that its healthcare system is on the verge of collapse due to continued Israeli aggression. In a statement, the embassy expressed profound concern over the catastrophic state of the healthcare sector in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, attributing it to the ongoing Israeli genocidal war, military attacks, mass destruction of medical infrastructure, severe restrictions on humanitarian access, and financial strangulation measures.
Urgent Call to Save Lives
The embassy emphasized the critical need for immediate action, stating, "It is the exact moment to save thousands of innocent lives. If not India and the Indian people; then who? If not now; then when? Every life matters." It further noted that the Palestinian people continue to look toward the conscience of humanity and toward India's historic commitment to justice, humanitarian values, anti-colonial principles, and support for oppressed peoples.
Appeal Under Aarogya Maitri Initiative
The embassy urged India to extend medical assistance through its Aarogya Maitri humanitarian initiative, highlighting New Delhi's broader commitment to supporting global healthcare and disaster-relief efforts. The statement referenced Prime Minister Narendra Modi's announcement of the Aarogya Maitri project, under which India pledged to provide essential medical supplies to any developing country affected by natural disasters or humanitarian crises.
Humanitarian Disaster of Unprecedented Proportions
Describing the situation as a humanitarian disaster of unprecedented proportions, the embassy cited figures from the World Health Organization (WHO). It reported that only 19 of Gaza's 36 hospitals are currently functioning partially, underscoring the severe strain on the territory's healthcare system. Acute shortages of medicines, medical equipment, dialysis supplies, blood stocks, and fuel needed to power hospital generators were also highlighted.
India's Stance on Israel-Palestine Conflict
India has reaffirmed its backing for a negotiated two-state solution to the Israel-Palestine conflict and urged the implementation of a lasting ceasefire in Gaza. Additionally, India announced it will shortly disburse $2.5 million to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) as part of its yearly contribution.
