Meaningful contribution: Palestine welcomes India's new development projects for Gaza
New Delhi, July 15
Palestine on Wednesday warmly welcomed India's announcement to establish three major development projects for the people in Gaza, including a Speciality Hospital, an Artificial Limb Fitment Centre, and a Vocational Training Institute.
According to the Palestinian Embassy in New Delhi, India's commitment to establishing a Speciality Hospital and an Artificial Limb Fitment Centre will make a "meaningful contribution" to strengthening healthcare services and supporting the rehabilitation of those most severely affected by the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
It added that the establishment of a Vocational Training Institute represents an investment in the future of the Palestinian people by helping equip youngsters with the skills necessary to rebuild their communities and economy after the immense destruction caused by the war.
External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar made this announcement during the launch of India's campaign for election as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council (2028-2029), following India's commitments at the Palestine Donor Group meeting in Brussels.
Stressing the significance of the announcement, the Embassy said that it comes at a time when the Palestinian people, particularly in the Gaza Strip, continue to "endure one of the gravest humanitarian catastrophes of our time".
"Gaza's healthcare system has been systematically devastated. Hospitals and medical facilities have been destroyed or rendered inoperable, healthcare workers have been killed, injured, or detained, essential medicines and medical supplies remain critically scarce, and hundreds of thousands of civilians continue to suffer without access to adequate healthcare," it added.
At the same time, the mission said, thousands of Palestinians who have lost limbs are in urgent need of rehabilitation, prosthetic services, and long-term medical care.
The Embassy also welcomed India's reaffirmation of its principled and longstanding position in support of a negotiated two-State solution, with the State of Palestine and Israel living side by side in peace and security.
It also appreciated India's support for the State of Palestine's full membership in the United Nations, as well as its continued humanitarian and development partnership with the Palestinian people.
The mission expressed its sincere gratitude to the Government and the people of India for their "continued friendship, humanitarian support, and steadfast commitment to peace, justice, international law, and the two-State solution".
— IANS
Reader Comments
While I appreciate India's humanitarian gesture, I hope we also keep a close eye on how these projects are implemented on the ground. There have been cases where aid gets diverted. That said, a vocational training institute is a smart move — empowering youth is key to long-term peace.
India has always stood with Palestine, and this is another feather in our cap. The two-state solution is the only way forward. Kudos to EAM Jaishankar for this initiative. Gaza's people have suffered enough — this hospital and training centre will bring real hope. 🙏
This is a great move, but we need to be practical — these projects need proper security and coordination with all stakeholders. Without that, they might become targets. Still, India showing leadership in the Global South is commendable.
I am glad to see India balancing its relationships — we are friends with Israel too, but we don't ignore Palestinian suffering. This is mature foreign policy. The artificial limb centre especially touched my heart; imagine the difference it will make for those who lost limbs in the conflict. 😢
This is a meaningful contribution indeed. But I wish India would also use its diplomatic weight more forcefully at the UN to push for an immediate ceasefire. Development projects are vital, but people need peace first to rebuild their lives.
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.