India dispatches humanitarian assistance to conflict-affected Gaza: Medical supplies, bedding, surgical equipment
New Delhi, October 22: In a humanitarian gesture, India dispatched a C-17 military transport aircraft from the Indian Air Force's (IAF) base in Ghaziabad to Egypt's El-Arish airport. The mission carried approximately 6.5 tonnes of medical assistance and 32 tonnes of disaster relief materials to aid the Palestinians affected by the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas militants, as confirmed by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).
The C-17 aircraft, operated by the Indian Air Force (IAF), took off from Hindon airbase in Ghaziabad, carrying a total of 38 tonnes of aid. This crucial aid included essential life-saving medicines, surgical supplies, tents, sleeping bags, tarpaulins, sanitary necessities, and water purification tablets, among other essential items.
#WATCH | Hindon Air Base, Ghaziabad (Uttar Pradesh) | An IAF C-17 flight carrying nearly 6.5 tonnes of medical aid and 32 tonnes of disaster relief material for the people of Palestine departs for El-Arish airport in Egypt.
The material includes essential life-saving… pic.twitter.com/HF5WJNAB58 — ANI (@ANI) October 22, 2023
Arindam Bagchi, the MEA spokesperson, used social media, specifically Twitter, to share this significant development. In his tweet, he announced, "India sends Humanitarian aid to the people of ????????! An IAF C-17 flight carrying nearly 6.5 tonnes of medical aid and 32 tonnes of disaster relief material for the people of Palestine departs for El-Arish airport in Egypt. The material includes essential life-saving medicines, surgical items, tents, sleeping bags, tarpaulins, sanitary utilities, water purification tablets among other necessary items.”
Moreover, to address the pressing needs of the Palestinian population, around 20 trucks transported medical supplies and limited quantities of food, such as canned tuna and pasta, into Gaza from Egypt's Rafah border point on a recent Saturday.
However, United Nations officials have emphasized that the situation demands a more significant humanitarian effort. At least 100 trucks per day are required in Gaza to adequately address the urgent requirements of the population. Before the conflict erupted, the enclave typically received several hundred trucks daily, as reported by Reuters.
The operation of Gaza's sole non-Israeli border crossing has faced challenges, necessitating agreement from Egypt, Israel, and Hamas for it to function effectively. Egypt and Israel have held each other and Hamas responsible for the delay in the reopening of the Rafah border.
In a related development, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi had a conversation with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, expressing condolences for the tragic hospital attack that claimed over 500 lives. During the discussion, PM Modi reiterated India's consistent stance on the Israel-Palestine issue and raised deep concerns about the escalating terrorism, violence, and deteriorating security situation in the region.
The current conflict was triggered by unprecedented attacks by Hamas militants on October 7. In response, Israel initiated a substantial counter-offensive against the Islamic militant group. The result has been over 1,400 casualties in Israel and at least 210 individuals taken captive. In Gaza, approximately 4,385 Palestinians are reported to have lost their lives during the Israeli offensive that ensued.
- With inputs from agencies
