India on Sunday became the latest country to rush help to the civilian population of Gaza Strip which is facing blockade and Israeli military operation. The relief material was delivered to the Egyptian Red Crescent at the El Arish airbase of Egypt, located close to the Gaza border.
“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,” said official spokesperson Arindam Bagchi.
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Ambassador of Palestine Adnan Abu Alhaija has expressed his appreciation to the gesture and said the blockade of the last fortnight had stopped entry of essential items such as oxygen into the Gaza Strip. “People of Palestine will truly appreciate the Indian assistance as they are in need of urgent help after nearly 15 days of Israeli blockade which stopped electricity, food, medicine and oxygen. India is sending us help even without us asking. This is a great initiative,” said Ambassador Al Haija.
The Indian consignment landed in Egypt on Sunday evening where ambassador Ajit V. Gupte handed over the supplies to the Egyptian Red Crescent “for onward transmission to Palestine”, said Mr. Bagchi.
Several countries such as Egypt, Turkey and the U.S. have started sending help to Gaza through the border crossing of Gaza and Egypt, and Indian supplies are expected to reach Gaza through the same route. India has reiterated its support for the two-state solution to end the Israel- Palestine conflict since it flared up on October 7.
In the meanwhile, the sixth flight under Operation Ajay for Indian evacuees from conflict-hit Israel reached here from Tel Aviv during Sunday evening carrying 143 passengers that included 2 Nepalese citizens. Union Minister of State for Steel Faggan Singh Kulaste welcomed the passengers at the airport.
