UNRWA, operational since 1950, relies predominantly on voluntary contributions from UN member states for its sustenance
In a gesture of solidarity, the Government of India has reinforced its commitment to assisting Palestinian refugees by contributing USD 2.5 million to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA). This contribution, announced by the Representative Office of India in Palestine, based in Ramallah, on Thursday (December 28, 2023), represents the second instalment of India's pledged annual support of USD 5 million for the fiscal year 2023-24. The initial tranche was disbursed in November.

This latest financial aid is directed towards enhancing UNRWA's crucial services, which include education, healthcare, relief, and social assistance to Palestinian refugees, particularly in the backdrop of the ongoing conflict in Gaza. The contribution was handed over by Charge d’Affaires Elizabeth Rodrigues.
 
Earlier, on November 19, India had delivered 32 tonnes of humanitarian assistance to the people of Palestine via Egypt’s El-Arish Airport.

Amidst the escalating tensions and the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, stemming from the conflict between Israel and Hamas, this contribution from India stands as a crucial support. UNRWA, operational since 1950, relies predominantly on voluntary contributions from UN member states for its sustenance and is currently navigating through challenges posed by the conflict in Gaza. The agency has expressed gratitude for India's timely and generous support, which arrives during a period of heightened need, especially in Gaza.

The inhabitants of Gaza, under the governance of Hamas since 2007, have been enduring the severe repercussions of the conflict, which escalated following an attack by Hamas on Israel on October 7. The ensuing Israeli military response has intensified the situation, leading to widespread displacement and an urgent need for humanitarian assistance.
 
India's involvement in the region remains distinct since it balances its initial strong backing of Israel with a growing concern for the humanitarian situation in Gaza. This is evident from India's voting patterns in the United Nations, where it voted in favour of a resolution in December demanding an immediate ceasefire in Gaza.

Since 2018, India has contributed USD30 million to the agency. During a pledging conference in June 2020, India announced a further contribution of USD10 million over two years. In a landmark gesture, India quadrupled its annual financial commitment to UNRWA's core budget during the first-ever visit of an Indian Prime Minister to Palestine in February 2018, raising it from USD 1.25 million to USD 5 million.
 
Additionally, India has called on other traditional donors and member states to enhance their contributions to UNRWA, under the mission to establish global solidarity in supporting the Palestinian refugees. Benching on previous instances, India has also called for the adaptation of the UNRWA’s response strategies to evolving needs, especially considering the prevalent resource constrained situation.

The ongoing conflict in Gaza has led to a significant displacement of the population, with more than two-thirds of Gaza's 2.3 million residents seeking refuge in the southern parts of the territory. The escalation of hostilities has placed immense pressure on UNRWA, which struggles to provide basic services to the hundreds of thousands of people in shelters.
 
Along with the recent assistance, India aims to address the UNRWA’s funding shortfalls by subsidizing the increased need for resources during the COVID-19 pandemic. India also aims to lend its support in managing operational challenges in conflict zones, encompassing the safety of staff, security in delivering services and administering immediate preservation to infrastructural damage.

UNRWA's mission extends beyond immediate relief, aiming to empower Palestine refugees in Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, West Bank (including East Jerusalem), and the Gaza Strip towards achieving their full human development potential, pending a just and lasting solution to their plight. The agency's services cover a broad spectrum, including education, health care, relief and social services, camp infrastructure improvement, protection, and microfinance.