India Pledges $2.5 Million to UNRWA, Backs Two-State Solution

India has announced the $2.5 million contribution to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), and reaffirmed the its commitment to supporting the Palestinian refugees amid the ongoing humanitarian crisis in a Gaza. At the UN Security Council, India’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Harish Parvathaneni has stated that the two state solution remains the only visible path to resolving the Israel-Palestine conflict.

Why Has India Announced Fresh Assistance to UNRWA?

India’s contribution forms the first tranche of the its annual $5 million assistance to the UNRWA.

The aid is aimed at to supporting the agency’s efforts in providing the,

• Education services
• Healthcare facilities
• Humanitarian assistance
• Social welfare support
• Emergency relief for Palestinian refugees

India’s Position on the Israel-Palestine Conflict

India has reiterated the its long-standing support for the peaceful resolution based on the two-state solution.

According to India, the solution should ensure the,

• A sovereign and independent State of the Palestine.
• Peaceful coexistence between the both nations.
• Secure and internationally recognized borders.
• Dialogue and diplomacy is the primary way of conflict resolution.

India has consistently supported the Palestinian cause while also maintaining strong diplomatic relations with Israel.

India’s Growing Support for Palestine

India has steadily expanded the its assistance to Palestine over the years.

The significant milestone came in the February 2018, when Prime Minister Narendra Modi became the first Indian Prime Minister to visit the State of Palestine.

After this visit, India has increased the its annual contribution to UNRWA from $1.25 million to $5 million beginning in 2018-19.

The decision also helped the agency overcome the financial difficulties and continue to deliver the essential services to Palestinian refugees.

India’s Call for Peace in Gaza

During the the Security Council discussion, India also highlighted the worsening humanitarian situation in the Gaza and

stressed the need for immediate international action.

India called for the,

• A sustained ceasefire in the Gaza.
• Full humanitarian access.
• Protection of the civilians, especially women and children.
• Revival of meaningful peace negotiations.
• New diplomatic frameworks suited to current realities.