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India’s renewed support for sovereign Palestinian State, backed by humanitarian aid, must be strengthened further
India’s renewed commitment to a sovereign Palestinian State, backed by significant humanitarian aid, is a crucial step amidst escalating distress in West Bank and Gaza.
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While India has long supported the two-state solutionTwo-State SolutionA proposed resolution to the Israeli–Palestinian conflict which envisions an independent Palestinian state existing peacefully alongside Israel. for resolving the Israel-Palestine conflict, which can only be achieved by creating a sovereign Palestinian state, nevertheless, the recent renewal of this commitment, supported by significant humanitarian aid of the kind that is really needed, is highly welcome.
While the number of countries supporting the two-state solution is very high, there is, nevertheless, special significance of the support extended by India, the country where a sixth of the humanity lives and which has a special place of strength in the Global SouthGlobal SouthA term used to refer to countries in Africa, Asia, Oceania, and Latin America, broadly indicating developing or newly industrialized nations, often with a history of colonialism..
It is also good that the clear confirmation of this support came at a time when it is of great use in the middle of the very high level of difficulties, atrocities and stress faced by the people of West Bank and Gaza.
What is more, this support and solidarity were expressed in the course of the recent visit of a high-level official team from India to the West Bank region. This team was led by the Secretary of the Ministry of External Affairs of India, Sripriya Ranganathan.
In the course of her visit and meetings with senior Palestinian ministers and officials, Ms. Ranganathan reconfirmed India’s commitment to the two-state solution and continuing humanitarian aid, particularly in the health sector.
On August 19, Palestinian and Indian teams joined hands together for the opening ceremony of a super-specialty 200-bed hospital that will be built with the help of India in Arrahbeh (Jenin) in the West Bank region. In addition, the prospects for a field hospital in Gaza were also discussed. The organization of an artificial limb fitment camp is also being planned. India is in a good position to provide medicines, including those for treating cancer. In fact the Indian delegation carried stocks of medicines which were delivered from the Indian government to the Health Ministry of Palestine. This supply of medicines is to continue.
India’s Humanitarian Initiatives in Palestine
Healthcare Infrastructure
200-Bed Super-Specialty Hospital
Under construction in Arrahbeh (Jenin), West Bank.
Emergency Medical Support
Field Hospital in Gaza
Prospects for establishment currently under discussion.
Rehabilitation Services
Artificial Limb Fitment Camp
Planning underway to provide essential mobility aid.
Medical Supplies
Continuous Medicine Supply
Initial stocks delivered, including cancer medicines.
VISUALS BY THE RIFT
On August 20 the Hindu published a lead article written by India’s former envoy to West AsiaWest AsiaA geographical term often used interchangeably with the Middle East, referring to the westernmost part of Asia. and the Middle East Peace ProcessMiddle East Peace ProcessThe ongoing diplomatic efforts and negotiations aimed at resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and broader Arab-Israeli conflict., C.R. Gharekhan, titled ‘A Palestinian state is the foundation for regional peace’ in which he describes Israel “as the only power that stands in the way of the emergence of an independent Palestine.”
In the course of this visit Ms. Ranganathan met the Palestinian health minister Dr. Majed Abu Ramadan, foreign minister Dr. Varsen Aghabekian, and also Prime Minister Dr. Mohammad Mustafa. Several aspects of continuing cooperation, strengthening of ties and humanitarian help were discussed.
This initiative has come at a time when distress in Gaza as well as the West Bank has been increasing due to the increasingly arbitrary and aggressive exercise of its power by Israel and the continuing tendency to restrict medical facilities and humanitarian aid. The Gaza ceasefire exists only in name as the people here have repeatedly faced Israeli attacks so that about 1300 people have been killed in these attacks since the ceasefire came into place in October 2025. The number of people dying due to denial of essential needs is much higher. Keeping in view these conditions India should be prepared to step up its humanitarian aid particularly health aid in the near future. There should be widespread support in India for the continuation of humanitarian aid to Palestine and in fact for stepping this up further.
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