Palestine Thanks India for USD 2.5 Million UNRWA Donation Amidst Gaza Crisis

The Palestinian Embassy expressed gratitude to India for releasing USD 2.5 million to UNRWA, part of its USD 5 million annual contribution for 2024-2025. This aid is crucial given the ongoing Israeli offensive in Gaza, displacing millions of Palestinians and targeting the UN agency.

The Palestinian Embassy on Tuesday acknowledged India's release of USD 2.5 million to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), marking the first tranche of its USD 5 million annual contribution for 2024-2025. The embassy extended its sincere thanks and appreciation to the Indian Government for the financial aid.

The embassy also noted India's pledge of support at the recent UNRWA conference in New York, highlighting that, in addition to financial support, New Delhi would provide medicines to UNRWA upon request. This commitment is seen as a crucial step in bolstering UNRWA's role amidst threats to its existence by the Israeli government.

While lauding India's efforts, the embassy underscored the importance of this assistance, especially amid the Israeli offensive in Gaza that has created a dire situation. Approximately 2 million Palestinians have fled their homes in Gaza, which houses about 2.2 million people. The embassy emphasized the urgent need for increased support.

The UN agency is currently facing Israeli plans to undermine its role, which has been pivotal in serving over 6 million Palestinian refugees across five areas: Gaza Strip, West Bank, Jordan, Syria, and Lebanon. The embassy expressed hope that India would leverage its international influence to strengthen UNRWA and prevent Israeli efforts to replace the agency with other entities.

UNRWA's significance to Palestinians extends beyond vital services, tying closely to their rights as refugees and their aspiration to return to their ancestral homes from which they were displaced during the Nakba.

(With inputs from agencies.)