“If not India, then who?” Palestinian Embassy makes urgent appeal to New Delhi for medical aid

In a statement cited by ANI, the embassy expressed “profound concern” over what it described as the “catastrophic collapse” of healthcare services in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, attributing it to continued military operations, destruction of medical infrastructure, restricted humanitarian access, and financial constraints.

“It is the exact moment to save thousands of innocent lives. If not India and the Indian people; then who? If not now; then when? Every life matters,” the statement said.

It further said that Palestinians continue to look to the “conscience of humanity” and highlighted India’s historical commitment to justice, humanitarian values, and support for oppressed communities. The embassy urged India to extend medical assistance under the ‘Aarogya Maitri’ humanitarian initiative launched by the Government of India.

The embassy also claimed that only 19 out of 36 hospitals in the territory remain partially operational.

Meanwhile, Palestinian Ambassador to India Abdullah M. Abu Shawesh described the situation in Gaza as “catastrophic,” citing widespread destruction of infrastructure and the collapse of essential services, including sanitation systems, leading to the spread of disease.

Calling for urgent international intervention, he told ANI: “It is the very exact time for the Indian government and for the Indian people to provide the necessary support, medical support that we are in desperate need.”

International aid agencies have meanwhile raised fresh concerns over the humanitarian situation in Gaza.

UNICEF spokesperson James Elder said 265 Palestinian children have been killed since a ceasefire announced in October 2025, adding that a child has been killed on average every day for more than eight months.

He said many children were killed in homes, schools, and public spaces while playing or carrying out daily activities, and described the scale of suffering as “almost beyond comparison in our lifetime.”

The UN and other agencies have repeatedly warned of a deepening humanitarian crisis, with widespread displacement, destruction of housing, and severe shortages of clean water and healthcare services across Gaza.