TAG: GS 2: INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
THE CONTEXT: India has reiterated its strong support for a negotiated two-state solution to the Israel-Palestine conflict, emphasizing the establishment of a sovereign, independent, and viable Palestinian state living in peace with Israel.
EXPLANATION:
- This position was articulated by India’s Charge d’Affaires and Deputy Permanent Representative to the United Nations during a conference of the UN Agency for Palestinian Refugees (UNRWA).
India’s Position on the Two-State Solution
- India has consistently supported a peaceful resolution to the Palestine question.
- Indian Ambassador reaffirmed this commitment, stating that India backs a negotiated two-state solution.
- This solution envisions a sovereign and independent state of Palestine existing alongside Israel within secure and recognized borders.
Response to Israel-Hamas Conflict
- India has taken a principled stance on the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas.
- The loss of civilian lives, especially among women and children, was condemned.
- The terrorist attack by Hamas militants on October 7 of the previous year was unequivocally condemned.
- The unconditional release of all hostages taken during this attack was emphasised.
India’s Contributions to Palestinian Welfare
- India has been a longstanding development partner for the Palestinian people, providing various developmental assistance totalling nearly $120 million.
- This includes $35 million contributed to UNRWA, the agency responsible for aiding Palestinian refugees.
- Since 2018, India has been making an annual contribution of $5 million to UNRWA.
- This contribution will continue, with $2.5 million to be transferred in the coming days.
- In addition to financial aid, India offers scholarships to 50 Palestinian students annually for undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral studies in Indian educational institutions.
- India also donates medicines to UNRWA upon request and is considering a specific request from the Palestinian Authority for life-saving medicines.
Appeal for International Support
- Indian ambassador urged other traditional donors to UNRWA to enhance their support and encouraged non-donor member states to contribute financially to the agency.
- He emphasized the need for a safe, timely, and sustained supply of humanitarian assistance to the Palestinian people.
- UN Secretary-General, addressing the UNRWA pledging conference, highlighted the agency’s critical role in humanitarian operations in Gaza.
- He called for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza and the unconditional release of all hostages.
- Guterres noted the tragic loss of 195 UNRWA staff members, the highest staff death toll in UN history, and commended the agency’s resilience in continuing its work despite these challenges.
Funding Challenges for UNRWA
- UNRWA Commissioner-General warned that the agency’s ability to operate beyond August depends on the disbursement of planned funding and new contributions to its core budget.
- UNRWA is appealing for $1.2 billion to address critical humanitarian needs in the occupied Palestinian territories until the end of the year.
- The emergency appeals for Syria, Lebanon, and Jordan are also significantly underfunded, receiving less than 20 percent of the required amount.
UN Agency for Palestinian Refugees (UNRWA)
- UNRWA is the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East, established in 1949 to provide assistance and protection to Palestinian refugees.
- UNRWA’s mandate encompasses Palestinians who fled or were expelled during the 1948 Palestine War, as well as their descendants.
- As of 2023, over 5.9 million Palestinians are registered as refugees with UNRWA.
- UNRWA provides a range of services to registered Palestinian refugees, including primary and vocational education, primary health care, relief and social services, infrastructure and camp improvement, microfinance and emergency assistance.
- The agency operates in Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, the Gaza Strip, and the West Bank, including East Jerusalem.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, KINDLY REFER TO THE EDITORIAL DISCUSSION OF “AN ANALYSIS OF THE ISRAEL-PALESTINE CONFLICT” UPLOADED ON JANUARY 15, 2024
Spread the Word