India Releases $2.5 Million In Aid For Palestine Refugees

The Indian government has released the first tranche of USD 2.5 million to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestinian Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) as part of its annual contribution of USD 5 million for the year 2024-25. The UNRWA, which has carried out direct relief and works programmes for registered Palestinian refugees since 1950, is making efforts to keep up its functioning in the middle of the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza.

Endeavour to support the Palestinian refugees

Over the years, in its endeavour to support the Palestinian refugees and their welfare, India has provided financial support to the tune of USD 35 million till 2023-24 for the UN agency’s core programmes and services, including education, healthcare, relief and social services provided to Palestinian refugees.

Medicines to UNRWA

During the recent UNRWA Pledging Conference held in New York, India announced that in addition to financial assistance, it will provide medicines to UNRWA based on the agency’s specific request, and reiterated its call for a safe, timely and sustained supply of humanitarian assistance to the people of Palestine.

Casualties in the war

The toll includes 80 new deaths in 24 hours, a ministry statement said, adding that 89,097 people have been wounded in the Gaza Strip since the war began when Hamas militants attacked Israel on October 7. The ministry also updated the toll from an Israeli air strike on a school in central Gaza on July 14, saying it had increased from 15 dead to 22.