India's Aid to Palestine Exceeds USD 175 Million
India's Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Parvathaneni Harish, announced on Tuesday that India has provided over USD 175 million in assistance to the Palestinian people. He made the statement while delivering India's address at the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) Pledging Conference in New York.
Support for Two-State Solution
Ambassador Harish emphasized India's support for a negotiated two-state solution, leading to the establishment of a sovereign, independent, and viable State of Palestine living side by side with Israel in peace and security. He reiterated India's commitment to UNRWA, including a recent USD 5 million pledge.
Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza
Harish noted that the situation in Gaza remains fragile, plagued by humanitarian crises. He highlighted the suffering of the Palestinian people, especially in Gaza, with loss of civilian lives, large-scale displacement, destruction of infrastructure, and severe shortages of food, fuel, medicines, and essential services. He stressed that normalcy is a distant dream and must change.
India's Humanitarian Efforts
India's engagements with UNRWA are guided by its unwavering support for the Palestinian people. Harish stated that India has provided assistance worth USD 175 million, including projects worth USD 40 million at various stages of implementation. In the last three years alone, India has sent 150 tonnes of humanitarian aid, including emergency medicines. India has also received a request for life-saving medicines from Palestine and will deliver them soon.
Commitment to Palestinian Aspirations
Harish affirmed that India treats UNRWA as a development partner, complementing bilateral initiatives to realize a vision for the Palestinian people. India's efforts are directed at addressing humanitarian needs and aspirations, making a lasting impact on their daily lives.
