Along with other nations delivering aid amidst a challenging humanitarian crisis, India also extended humanitarian assistance to the civilian population of the Gaza Strip. Gaza has been struggling with a blockade and Israeli military operations. The Indian relief material, consisting of essential supplies, was transported to Egypt’s Red Crescent at the El Arish air base which is located close to the Gaza border.
As per the official spokesperson Arindam Bagchi’s statement, an IAF C-17 flight carried approximately 6.5 tonnes of medical aid and 32 tonnes of disaster relief items destined for the people of Palestine. This cargo consisted of life-saving medicines, surgical supplies, tents, sleeping bags, tarpaulins, sanitary utilities, water purification tablets, and other crucial items.
Adnan Abu Alhaija, the Ambassador of Palestine gladly acknowledged India’s humanitarian aid assistance . Highlighting the blockade over the past two weeks which had disrupted access to electricity, food, medicine, and oxygen in the Gaza Strip’s, he heartily appreciated the Indian initiative to provide aid without formal requests.
India’s efforts were considered as a significant step towards alleviating the suffering in Gaza.The Indian relief consignment reached Egypt, where Ambassador Ajit V. Gupte officially handed over the supplies to the Egyptian Red Crescent. These supplies were intended for onward transmission to Palestine. Several countries, including Egypt, Turkey, and the United States, also made possible efforts to send aid to Gaza through the border crossing between Gaza and Egypt. Even the Indian supplies were expected to follow this route to reach the Gaza Strip.
In addition to providing humanitarian assistance, India showed its commitment to the two-state solution as a means to resolve the Israel-Palestine conflict. This reaffirmed India’s long standing support for a peaceful resolution to the ongoing issues, which began on October 7, causing harm and hardship for the people of Gaza. India’s humanitarian contribution to the Gaza Strip, exhibits its commitment to addressing global crises and fostering peace in regions affected by the Israel-Hamas war.
