By NNN-Bernama,
Jerusalem : India has been at the forefront of humanitarian assistance to Palestinian refugees and it’s donation has been helpful in carrying ahead vital services during difficult times, the United Nations Relief and Work Agency (UNRWA) has said.
“India was among the first few countries to donate US$1 million at UNRWA’s flash appeal following the war in Gaza early this year, which left a grave situation that could have easily led to a humanitarian crisis,” spokesman to the UN agency, Christopher Gunness, told Press Trust of India (PTI).
“India contributed another US$1 million last week to support our efforts in continuing educational and health services in a challenging financial climate,” Gunness said.
India’s Representative to the Palestinian National Authority (PNA) Bishwadip Dey presented the donation to UNRWA’s commissioner-General Karen AbuZayd on Friday during a ceremony to mark the 60th anniversary of the agency.
“This contribution ensures that the agency is able to continue its crucial work supporting the human development of Palestine refugees. India has time and again risen to the occasion to help a population in need,” AbuZayd said.
The UNRWA provides assistance and protection to 4.7 million Palestinian refugees spread across Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, Gaza and parts of Palestinian territories, offering a range of human development and humanitarian services, including in situations of armed conflict.
India has enhanced its contribution to the agency significantly this year due to the financial constraints faced by it in its day-today functioning.
These contributions by New Delhi for the welfare of the Palestinian people is in addition to its financial assistance package of US$10 million provided to PNA in March as budgetary support for running the administration.
Besides, India is also setting up the Palestinian Embassy and other buildings for the mission in New Delhi, the foundation stone for which was laid down by Palestinian president Mahmoud Abbas and India’s Prime Minister Manmohan Singh in October during the former’s visit to the Indian capital.