Rapid Fire
Indian Aid to Palestinian Refugees
- 18 Jul 2024
- 2 min read
Recently, India has released the first tranche of USD 2.5 million to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) for Palestinian Refugees in the Near East as part of its annual contribution of USD 5 million for the year 2024-25.
- UNRWA has been carrying out direct relief and work programmes for registered Palestinian refugees since 1950 and is making efforts to continue functioning amidst the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza.
- India has provided financial support of USD 35 million till 2023-24 for UNRWA's core programmes and services, including education, healthcare, relief, and social services for Palestinian refugees.
United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA):
- It was established in 1949 by the UN General Assembly after the 1948 Arab-Israeli war.
- Its mandate is to provide aid and protection to Palestinian refugees who were displaced following the 1948 Arab-Israeli conflict, as well as their descendants.
- It operates in Gaza, the West Bank, Lebanon, Syria, and Jordan.
- It is funded almost entirely by voluntary contributions from UN member states.
- India's support to UNRWA includes financial assistance as well as providing medicines based on the agency's specific request.
Read more: Israel-Hamas Conflict and its Global Impact
