India has extended a helping hand to the beleaguered residents of Gaza Strip by dispatching its first tranche of humanitarian aid via Egypt.
The aid, including crucial medical supplies and disaster relief materials, was delivered to the Egyptian Red Crescent at the El Arish airbase, situated near the Gaza border.
In response to the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza, the Ministry of External Affairs made an official announcement, stating, “India’s humanitarian aid for the people of Palestine arrives in Egypt.” It further added, the Indian Ambassador to Egypt, Ajit V Gupte handover the aid to the Egyptian Red Crescent, facilitating its onward transmission to Palestine.
About the aid:
The aid package, totaling nearly 6.5 tonnes of medical supplies and 32 tonnes of disaster relief materials, consists of essential life-saving medicines, surgical items, tents, sleeping bags, tarpaulins, sanitary utilities, and water purification tablets, among other necessary items.
Meanwhile, Adnan Abu Alhaija, the Palestinian Ambassador to India, while speaking to various media outlets expressed gratitude to the Government of India for its timely initiative. He emphasized the urgent need for such aid, especially considering the 15-day-long blockade that has isolated Gaza. Alhaija also appealed for political support from India to end the siege of Gaza.
India extends supports to Palestine:
India’s support to Gaza comes shortly after Prime Minister Narendra Modi conveyed condolences to Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas over civilian casualties at the Al Ahli Hospital in Gaza City. During their conversation, PM Modi assured continuous humanitarian assistance from the Government of India to the Palestinian people.
Meanwhile, it is pertinent to note that India’s stance on the Israel-Palestine conflict remains unchanged, with the country emphasizing the resumption of direct negotiations for a peaceful resolution between the two states. India condemns terrorism unequivocally and advocates for a sovereign, independent, and viable State of Palestine living within secure and recognized borders, coexisting in peace with Israel.
Earlier, speaking about the conflict, the MEA added, “Our policy in this regard has been long-standing and consistent. India has always advocated the resumption of direct negotiations towards establishing a sovereign, independent, and viable State of Palestine living within secure and recognized borders, side by side at peace with Israel.”
