India's $2.5 Million Contribution to UNRWA Praised as Crucial Support Amid Gaza Conflict

India's "generous gesture" of releasing the second tranche of $2.5 million to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestinian Refugees (UNRWA) has been praised by the agency as crucial support amid the ongoing conflict in Gaza. UNRWA, operational since 1950, provides direct relief and works programs for registered Palestinian refugees and India's contribution will help the agency continue its lifesaving services. The conflict in Gaza has led to a significant strain on its population, with more than two-thirds of the 2.3 million people fleeing their homes in search of safety.

This has placed additional pressure on UNRWA, which was already facing increased demand for services due to the growing number of registered Palestinian refugees and escalating poverty prior to the conflict. The recent contribution from India is intended to bolster UNRWA's core programs and services, including education, healthcare, relief, and social services for Palestinian refugees. India's Charge deAffaires in Ramallah, Elizabeth Rodrigues, facilitated the handover of the funds, fulfilling India's commitment of $5 million for the year 2023-24.

India's support is part of a broader commitment to the agency's operations, with the country having contributed a total of $30 million to UNRWA since 2018. The Indian government had also delivered 32 tonnes of humanitarian assistance to the people of Palestine via the El-Arish Airport in Egypt earlier in November, demonstrating its ongoing commitment to supporting refugees in the region. UNRWA expressed its profound gratitude for India's continued support, noting the impact of the country's aid during a challenging period in the region. The agency depends largely on voluntary contributions from UN member states for its funding and India's contributions have been instrumental in enabling UNRWA to continue its critical services for Palestinian refugees.