India has reached out to Palestine with support for refugees with $ 2.5 million support and the development of a project.

Last week, a $2.25 million cheque was handed over to United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) by Indian diplomat Sunil Kumar and Harish Kumar who are in the ministry of external affairs WANA or West Asia and North Africa division. The cheque was handed over to UNRWA's Karim Amer at the UN body's headquarters at a ceremony in East Jerusalem.

At the ceremony, Karim Amer, Director of Partnerships of the Department of External Relations of UNRWA, said, "this timely contribution is a strong demonstration of India’s unwavering support to the work of UNRWA and commitment to the wellbeing for Palestine refugees".

He extended "deep appreciation" to the Indian government for its "continued funding to the agency and its backing of Palestine refugees across the Middle East.”

India has given $20 million in support of core UNRWA services to Palestine refugees across West Asia since 2018.&nbsp;The money will be used by&nbsp;UNRWA&nbsp;to provide&nbsp;education, health care, relief and social services for Palestine refugees.&nbsp;

UNRWA, established by the General Assembly in 1949 is mandated to provide assistance and protection to some 5.6 million Palestine refugees. It has been reaching out to refugees in Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, West Bank&nbsp;including East Jerusalem and the Gaza Strip.

Meanwhile, last week, the Indian delegation led by Indian diplomats Sunil Kumar and Harish Kumar also visited Gaza Industrial estate with key focus on the establishment of Center for the Development of Palestinian Heritage Products--"My Heritage".&nbsp;

The project will be funded by the Indian government and will be the extension of main center in Ramallah and Al-Bireh Governorate.&nbsp;

Palestine's Investment Promotion and Industrial Estate Agency is willing to provide 500 square meters for the project.

According to a Palestinian release, the project "comes within the Palestinian government’s strategy related to Empowering women in various fields, pointing out the importance of this project that seeks to integrate traditional industries with creative ideas to consolidate the Palestinian identity and market it globally".

New Delhi has in the past extended economic assistance to the Palestinian people for various projects.

The Indian government supported the construction of Jawaharlal Nehru Library at the Al Azhar University in Gaza city and the Mahatma Gandhi Library-cum-Student Activity Centre at the Palestine Technical College at Deir Al Balah in the Gaza Strip.

In fact, the Palestine national press and the&nbsp;Palestine-India techno park have been established with the Indian government's support.&nbsp;

India has reached out to Palestine with support for refugees with $ 2.5 million support and the development of a project. Last week, a $2.25 million cheque was handed over to United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) by Indian diplomat Sunil Kumar and Harish Kumar who are in the ministry of external affairs WANA or West Asia and North Africa division.

India has reached out to Palestine with support for refugees with $ 2.5 million support and the development of a project. Last week, a $2.25 million cheque was handed over to United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) by Indian diplomat Sunil Kumar and Harish Kumar who are in the ministry of external affairs WANA or West Asia and North Africa division. The cheque was handed over to UNRWA's Karim Amer at the UN body's headquarters at a ceremony in East Jerusalem. At the ceremony, Karim Amer, Director of Partnerships of the Department of External Relations of UNRWA, said, "this timely contribution is a strong demonstration of India’s unwavering support to the work of UNRWA and commitment to the wellbeing for Palestine refugees". He extended "deep appreciation" to the Indian government for its "continued funding to the agency and its backing of Palestine refugees across the Middle East.” India has given $20 million in support of core UNRWA services to Palestine refugees across West Asia since 2018. The money will be used by UNRWA to provide education, health care, relief and social services for Palestine refugees. UNRWA, established by the General Assembly in 1949 is mandated to provide assistance and protection to some 5.6 million Palestine refugees. It has been reaching out to refugees in Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, West Bank including East Jerusalem and the Gaza Strip. Meanwhile, last week, the Indian delegation led by Indian diplomats Sunil Kumar and Harish Kumar also visited Gaza Industrial estate with key focus on the establishment of Center for the Development of Palestinian Heritage Products--"My Heritage". The project will be funded by the Indian government and will be the extension of main center in Ramallah and Al-Bireh Governorate. Palestine's Investment Promotion and Industrial Estate Agency is willing to provide 500 square meters for the project. According to a Palestinian release, the project "comes within the Palestinian government’s strategy related to Empowering women in various fields, pointing out the importance of this project that seeks to integrate traditional industries with creative ideas to consolidate the Palestinian identity and market it globally". New Delhi has in the past extended economic assistance to the Palestinian people for various projects. The Indian government supported the construction of Jawaharlal Nehru Library at the Al Azhar University in Gaza city and the Mahatma Gandhi Library-cum-Student Activity Centre at the Palestine Technical College at Deir Al Balah in the Gaza Strip. In fact, the Palestine national press and the Palestine-India techno park have been established with the Indian government's support.

India reaches out to Palestine on refugees, projects

India's external affairs minister Dr. S Jaishankar will embark on a two-day visit to Palestine's Ramallah on March 8.

The key focus of his visit will be the India-Palestine Joint commission meeting (JCM) which he will co-chair along with his Palestinian counterpart Riad al-Maliki. This is Dr Jaishankar's first-ever visit to Ramallah in his capacity as External Affairs Minister. During the visit, EAM will also call on Palestine's President Mahmoud Abbas and Prime Minister Mohammad Shtayyeh.&nbsp;

A joint commission meet (JCM) took place in November 2016. In January 2016, the then EAM Sushma Swaraj had visited Palestine and met President Abbas, Foreign minister Riad. During her visit, she inaugurated India Palestine digital learning and innovation center at Al Quds University, Ramallah.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/palestines-pm-seeks-indias-support-at-international-forums-427083">Also read |&nbsp;Palestine's PM seeks India's support at international forums</a>

During this visit as well, EAM Jaishankar is expected to inaugurate a $5 million technopark project. While India continues to support the Palestinian cause at bilateral and international levels, New Delhi has been extending economic assistance to the Palestinian people. Two schools were built in Palestine in 2015 through Indian aid. Indian govt has set up an India-Palestine Centre of Excellence in ICT and Innovation in Al Quds University, Abu Dis in 2015 and another ICT center in Ramallah in 2016.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi had visited the&nbsp;de jure&nbsp;sovereign state on February 10, 2018. Before that, the then Indian President Pranab Mukherjee had paid a visit in October 2015. During President's 2015 visit, India had announced five projects worth $17.79 million, which included a Palestine India Techno Park in Ramallah and Palestine Institute of Diplomacy.&nbsp;

Indian PM Modi has been bestowed with the highest Palestinian award of the “Grand Collar of the State of Palestine”.&nbsp;New Delhi has also increased its annual contribution towards UN Relief and Works Agency in the Near East (UNRWA) from USD 1.25 Million to USD 5 Million in the backdrop of the financial crisis being faced by the UN agency.

The visit to Palestine will see EAM visiting other countries in the region, with an expected in-person West Asian Quad meet on the anvil. The west Asian quad includes UAE, India, Israel, and the US, also known as I2, U2 is expected to hold an in-person meeting in Dubai. This means, US Secretary of state Blinken, Israeli FM will also visit the country. But with the Russian invasion of Ukraine, things could drastically change as worries continue over Russian President Putin's ongoing military offensive. The west Asian quad last met virtually, during EAM's Israel visit last year and since then all sides have appointed a nodal person who will coordinate from each country on various issues, primarily economic.&nbsp;

This year, EAM has already visited,&nbsp;Indo Pacific region with visits to Australia, the Philippines, to Europe with visit to Germany and France. But the first visit he made this year was to Qatar, in west Asia.

India's external affairs minister Dr. S Jaishankar will embark on a two-day visit to Palestine's Ramallah on March 8. The key focus of his visit will be the India-Palestine Joint commission meeting (JCM) which he will co-chair along with his Palestinian counterpart Riad al-Maliki.

India's external affairs minister Dr. S Jaishankar will embark on a two-day visit to Palestine's Ramallah on March 8. The key focus of his visit will be the India-Palestine Joint commission meeting (JCM) which he will co-chair along with his Palestinian counterpart Riad al-Maliki. This is Dr Jaishankar's first-ever visit to Ramallah in his capacity as External Affairs Minister. During the visit, EAM will also call on Palestine's President Mahmoud Abbas and Prime Minister Mohammad Shtayyeh. A joint commission meet (JCM) took place in November 2016. In January 2016, the then EAM Sushma Swaraj had visited Palestine and met President Abbas, Foreign minister Riad. During her visit, she inaugurated India Palestine digital learning and innovation center at Al Quds University, Ramallah. Also read | Palestine's PM seeks India's support at international forums During this visit as well, EAM Jaishankar is expected to inaugurate a $5 million technopark project. While India continues to support the Palestinian cause at bilateral and international levels, New Delhi has been extending economic assistance to the Palestinian people. Two schools were built in Palestine in 2015 through Indian aid. Indian govt has set up an India-Palestine Centre of Excellence in ICT and Innovation in Al Quds University, Abu Dis in 2015 and another ICT center in Ramallah in 2016. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had visited the de jure sovereign state on February 10, 2018. Before that, the then Indian President Pranab Mukherjee had paid a visit in October 2015. During President's 2015 visit, India had announced five projects worth $17.79 million, which included a Palestine India Techno Park in Ramallah and Palestine Institute of Diplomacy. Indian PM Modi has been bestowed with the highest Palestinian award of the “Grand Collar of the State of Palestine”. New Delhi has also increased its annual contribution towards UN Relief and Works Agency in the Near East (UNRWA) from USD 1.25 Million to USD 5 Million in the backdrop of the financial crisis being faced by the UN agency. The visit to Palestine will see EAM visiting other countries in the region, with an expected in-person West Asian Quad meet on the anvil. The west Asian quad includes UAE, India, Israel, and the US, also known as I2, U2 is expected to hold an in-person meeting in Dubai. This means, US Secretary of state Blinken, Israeli FM will also visit the country. But with the Russian invasion of Ukraine, things could drastically change as worries continue over Russian President Putin's ongoing military offensive. The west Asian quad last met virtually, during EAM's Israel visit last year and since then all sides have appointed a nodal person who will coordinate from each country on various issues, primarily economic. This year, EAM has already visited, Indo Pacific region with visits to Australia, the Philippines, to Europe with visit to Germany and France. But the first visit he made this year was to Qatar, in west Asia.

India's External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar to visit Palestine on March 8

A miffed Palestine has raised its concern with India's abstention at the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) resolution that called for a probe into violence in Gaza. The resolution saw India among the 14 countries abstaining on the issue of the probe.&nbsp;

The matter was raised by Palestinian foreign minister Dr&nbsp;Riad Malki with India's External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar in a letter.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israels-foreign-minister-visits-egypt-to-discuss-permanent-ceasefire-with-gaza-388408">Israel's foreign minister visits Egypt to discuss 'permanent ceasefire' with Gaza</a>

In this letter, seen by WION, he expressed "concern" over the "position taken by India" at the human rights council's special session.

"The Republic of India missed an opportunity to join the international community at this turning point,&nbsp;(both) crucial and long over due on the path to accountability, justice and peace," he said. "Your abstention stifles the important work of human rights council at advancing human rights for all peoples, including those of the Palestinian people."

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The resolution "ensuring respect for international human rights law and humanitarian law in occupied Palestinian territory including East Jerusalem and in Israel", was adopted with 24 countries voting in favor and nine against at the 47 members strong Geneva-headquartered UN body.

Malki highlighted that "the resolution is not an aberration to the human rights council. It is a by-product of extensive multilateral consultations. It is the consolidation of years and thorough investigations into and reporting on Israel's grave violations by states, UN experts, human rights treaty bodies and international organizations, without accountability measures".

Also read |&nbsp;<a data-ctorig="https://www.wionews.com/world/israelis-should-go-back-to-europe-us-irans-quds-force-commander-388271" data-cturl="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/israelis-should-go-back-to-europe-us-irans-quds-force-commander-388271&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjot9HzmPHwAhVzmeYKHWNxCPQQFjACegQIARAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw3bIOrE3nkvetE4-nhNXZKX" dir="ltr" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israelis-should-go-back-to-europe-us-irans-quds-force-commander-388271" target="_blank">Israelis should 'go back' to Europe, US: Iran's Quds Force</a>

India had welcomed the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas at UNHRC, which was announced last month after 11 days of violent clashes from both sides. The situation escalated after violence in Jerusalem and the possible eviction of Palestinians in the Sheikh Jarrah and Silwan neighborhood. During the clashes, over 200 Palestinians died in Gaza and 10&nbsp;Israelis.

The FM pointed out in the letter to EAM that the "root causes of the injustice that befell the Palestinian people, the decade long dispossession, displacement, colonization, oppression of the Palestinian people and the denial and violation of their every human rights by Israel, the occupying power, must be prioritized".

He also added that if the same is not dealt with on priority "the situation will not only remain volatile but will continue deteriorating with far-reaching and grave repercussions".

The letter by Palestine's FM to EAM was sent on the May 30 — three days after India abstained from the vote at the UNHRC. Other countries that abstained included Bahamas, Brazil, Denmark, Fiji, France, Italy, Japan, Nepal, Netherlands, Poland, South Korea, Togo and Ukraine.

A miffed Palestine has raised its concern with India's abstention at the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) resolution that called for a probe into violence in Gaza.

A miffed Palestine has raised its concern with India's abstention at the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) resolution that called for a probe into violence in Gaza. The resolution saw India among the 14 countries abstaining on the issue of the probe. The matter was raised by Palestinian foreign minister Dr Riad Malki with India's External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar in a letter. Also read | Israel's foreign minister visits Egypt to discuss 'permanent ceasefire' with Gaza In this letter, seen by WION, he expressed "concern" over the "position taken by India" at the human rights council's special session. "The Republic of India missed an opportunity to join the international community at this turning point, (both) crucial and long over due on the path to accountability, justice and peace," he said. "Your abstention stifles the important work of human rights council at advancing human rights for all peoples, including those of the Palestinian people." The resolution "ensuring respect for international human rights law and humanitarian law in occupied Palestinian territory including East Jerusalem and in Israel", was adopted with 24 countries voting in favor and nine against at the 47 members strong Geneva-headquartered UN body. Malki highlighted that "the resolution is not an aberration to the human rights council. It is a by-product of extensive multilateral consultations. It is the consolidation of years and thorough investigations into and reporting on Israel's grave violations by states, UN experts, human rights treaty bodies and international organizations, without accountability measures". Also read | Israelis should 'go back' to Europe, US: Iran's Quds Force India had welcomed the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas at UNHRC, which was announced last month after 11 days of violent clashes from both sides. The situation escalated after violence in Jerusalem and the possible eviction of Palestinians in the Sheikh Jarrah and Silwan neighborhood. During the clashes, over 200 Palestinians died in Gaza and 10 Israelis. The FM pointed out in the letter to EAM that the "root causes of the injustice that befell the Palestinian people, the decade long dispossession, displacement, colonization, oppression of the Palestinian people and the denial and violation of their every human rights by Israel, the occupying power, must be prioritized". He also added that if the same is not dealt with on priority "the situation will not only remain volatile but will continue deteriorating with far-reaching and grave repercussions". The letter by Palestine's FM to EAM was sent on the May 30 — three days after India abstained from the vote at the UNHRC. Other countries that abstained included Bahamas, Brazil, Denmark, Fiji, France, Italy, Japan, Nepal, Netherlands, Poland, South Korea, Togo and Ukraine.

Palestine miffed with India's abstention at UNHRC vote; FM Riad writes to EAM

India on Wednesday contributed USD one million to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East to support Palestinian refugees who have been facing extreme challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic, a move hailed by the UN body as "timely help".

The Government of India handed over the contribution cheque to the UN agency through its representative in Palestine, Sunil Kumar. 
United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) has thanked India for its "timely help".

"India has been a solid and consistent supporter of Palestinian refugees for decades. This contribution is even more significant as it comes at a critical time," Sami Mshasha, Director of Communications at UNRWA, told PTI.

"India is facing a difficult situation at home due to the pandemic and it has still not forgotten the Palestinian refugees and stepped in to help stabilise basic services, including education, health care, relief and social services for Palestinian refugees. I would like to thank the Government of India for its continued funding to UNRWA and its backing of Palestine refugees across the Middle East,''&nbsp;Mshasha told PTI.

Reiterating India's continued support for UNRWA services, Kumar in a press release said, ''On behalf of the Government of India, I would like to express my appreciation for the remarkable efforts carried out by UNRWA. India shall continue supporting the Agency's activities in providing vital services and necessary humanitarian aid to Palestinian refugees.''

During an Extraordinary Virtual Ministerial Pledging Conference for UNRWA held on June 23 2020, Minister of State for External Affairs, V. Muraleedharan, had announced that India will contribute USD 10 million US to UNRWA over the next two years.

India increased its annual financial contribution to UNRWA from USD 1.25 million in 2016 to USD 5 million in 2018 and 2019. It had also contributed USD 2 million to the agency in May 2020 which brings the total contribution for this year to USD three million so far.

"UNRWA has been facing a huge budgetary deficit and with an overwhelming majority of the 5.6 million refugees living under poverty line, the ongoing pandemic has broken the backbone of the basic infrastructure in the area they live. India's contribution seen in that background is timely and much appreciated," Mshasha said.

India has also sent medicines and other supplies to the Palestinian National Authority to help in dealing with the COVID-19 situation. 
UNRWA is facing an increased demand for services resulting from a growth in the number of registered Palestine refugees, the extent of their vulnerability and their deepening poverty.

It is a United Nations agency established by the General Assembly in 1949 and mandated to provide assistance and protection to some 5.6 million Palestine refugees registered with UNRWA across its five fields of operation.

Its mission is to help Palestine refugees in Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, West Bank, including East Jerusalem and the Gaza Strip achieve their full human development potential, pending a just and lasting solution to their plight.

UNRWA services encompass education, health care, relief and social services, camp infrastructure and improvement, protection, and microfinance among Palestinian refugees.

Under an India-Palestine development partnership, India is currently funding eight on-going developmental projects worth 59 million US dollars, including building a 215 Bed Super Specialty Hospital in Bethlehem, Information Technology Park, National Printing Press, Turathi-Women Empowerment Project, Diplomatic Training Institute and three schools in various governorates in Palestinian Territories.

India on Wednesday contributed USD one million to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East to support Palestinian refugees who have been facing extreme challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic, a move hailed by the UN body as "timely help".

India on Wednesday contributed USD one million to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East to support Palestinian refugees who have been facing extreme challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic, a move hailed by the UN body as "timely help". The Government of India handed over the contribution cheque to the UN agency through its representative in Palestine, Sunil Kumar. United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) has thanked India for its "timely help". "India has been a solid and consistent supporter of Palestinian refugees for decades. This contribution is even more significant as it comes at a critical time," Sami Mshasha, Director of Communications at UNRWA, told PTI. "India is facing a difficult situation at home due to the pandemic and it has still not forgotten the Palestinian refugees and stepped in to help stabilise basic services, including education, health care, relief and social services for Palestinian refugees. I would like to thank the Government of India for its continued funding to UNRWA and its backing of Palestine refugees across the Middle East,'' Mshasha told PTI. Reiterating India's continued support for UNRWA services, Kumar in a press release said, ''On behalf of the Government of India, I would like to express my appreciation for the remarkable efforts carried out by UNRWA. India shall continue supporting the Agency's activities in providing vital services and necessary humanitarian aid to Palestinian refugees.'' During an Extraordinary Virtual Ministerial Pledging Conference for UNRWA held on June 23 2020, Minister of State for External Affairs, V. Muraleedharan, had announced that India will contribute USD 10 million US to UNRWA over the next two years. India increased its annual financial contribution to UNRWA from USD 1.25 million in 2016 to USD 5 million in 2018 and 2019. It had also contributed USD 2 million to the agency in May 2020 which brings the total contribution for this year to USD three million so far. "UNRWA has been facing a huge budgetary deficit and with an overwhelming majority of the 5.6 million refugees living under poverty line, the ongoing pandemic has broken the backbone of the basic infrastructure in the area they live. India's contribution seen in that background is timely and much appreciated," Mshasha said. India has also sent medicines and other supplies to the Palestinian National Authority to help in dealing with the COVID-19 situation. UNRWA is facing an increased demand for services resulting from a growth in the number of registered Palestine refugees, the extent of their vulnerability and their deepening poverty. It is a United Nations agency established by the General Assembly in 1949 and mandated to provide assistance and protection to some 5.6 million Palestine refugees registered with UNRWA across its five fields of operation. Its mission is to help Palestine refugees in Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, West Bank, including East Jerusalem and the Gaza Strip achieve their full human development potential, pending a just and lasting solution to their plight. UNRWA services encompass education, health care, relief and social services, camp infrastructure and improvement, protection, and microfinance among Palestinian refugees. Under an India-Palestine development partnership, India is currently funding eight on-going developmental projects worth 59 million US dollars, including building a 215 Bed Super Specialty Hospital in Bethlehem, Information Technology Park, National Printing Press, Turathi-Women Empowerment Project, Diplomatic Training Institute and three schools in various governorates in Palestinian Territories.

India provides $1 million for Palestinian refugees

India will be sending its medical supplies to Palestine and currently, these supplies are under preparation. Speaking exclusively to our diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal from Ramallah, India's representative to the State of Palestine Sunil Kumar said, "recent global battle against the COVID-19 pandemic also witnessed India’s pledge to assist Palestine".

India will be sending its medical supplies to Palestine and currently, these supplies are under preparation. Speaking exclusively to our diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal from Ramallah, India's representative to the State of Palestine Sunil Kumar said, "recent global battle against the COVID-19 pandemic also witnessed India’s pledge to assist Palestine".The Representative Office of India is in contact with Indian citizens who reside in the East Jerusalem, West Bank and Gaza Strip to ensure their safety. WION: How is India reaching out to Palestine to help at the time of COVID crisis? Indian PM Modi has assured all possible support. How much medicine --HCQ we sending to it? Sunil Kumar: India’s outreach and support to Palestine isn’t new or recent. Over the long decades of friendly and positive relations that our two friendly nations enjoy, India has always supported Palestine in several fields and on various fronts. In addition to the well-known traditional political, capacity building, budgetary, education, United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), and projects support India extends to Palestine, the recent global battle against the COVID-19 pandemic also witnessed India’s pledge to assist Palestine. Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi recently conversed with President Mahmoud Abbas over the phone, appreciated the efforts being made by Palestine to protect its population from the virus and also assured all possible support from India for these efforts. During the telephone conversation, President Abbas expressed his confidence in the ability of India and Indian people under the wise leadership of Prime Minister Modi to overcome this global ordeal (corona-virus) as quickly as possible with minimal loses. Last week over the phone, Hon’ble External Affairs Minister Dr S. Jaishankar and Palestinian Foreign Minister Dr Riad Malki also discussed mutual efforts to fight the global pandemic. Dr. Jaishankar highlighted the strong historical relations between the two countries, the friendship between the two peoples and assured India’s medical assistance to Palestine at this critical time in which unified efforts of humanity is needed to overcome the pandemic. The medical supplies from India are currently being prepared and will reach Palestine very soon. WION: What has been the situation on the ground in Palestine..this when Ramazan is on? Sunil Kumar: As of now, the virus outbreak in Palestine is under control with around 495 detected cases, out of which 83 have recovered and only 4 deaths have been reported. The situation would have been worse but due to the promptness and early preemptive measures adopted by the Government of Palestine, the situation hasn’t aggravated and the total number of cases haven’t soared like in other countries of the region, in spite of all odds faced and the relatively limited resources that Palestine has. The holy month of Ramadan in Palestine is usually celebrated with lots of enthusiasm, joy and social outreach amongst the citizens. Unfortunately, Ramadan, this year comes at a very critical time in the history of humanity. In line with the measures taken by the Government of Palestine to counter the spread of the virus which include prohibiting public gatherings and closure of places of worship, but nonetheless the people are doing their best to keep the spirit of Ramadan alive since they truly believe that at times of hardship collective efforts towards compassion, patience and harmony must prevail. WION: Any Indian pilgrims in the territory. How has been the 800-year-old Indian hospice Jerusalem, it has been used by Indians. Sunil Kumar: Due to the prevailing political situation in Palestine, the Indian community here is quite limited. The Representative Office of India is in frequent contact with our citizens whom reside in the East Jerusalem, West Bank and Gaza Strip to ensure their safety and any needs in case required. Additionally our Mission has put to service a 24 hours/7 days a week emergency helpline for members of our Indian community in Palestine. The Indian Hospice in the Old City of Jerusalem is a true beacon of friendship and historic bonds that link our two peoples. Initially founded by Indian pilgrims at the dwelling place of Indian Sufi Hazrat Farid ud-Din Ganj Shakar (Baba Farid) around the year 1200, and throughout the following centuries, the Hospice adjacent to Al-Aqsa Masjid has served as a shrine, a pilgrims’ lodge, and a leave camp for the Indian Fourth Infantry division in 1948. During the 1967 Six-Day War, the Hospice was bombarded and sustained severe damages. In the early 1990’s the Hospice witnessed massive renovations and life reflowed back to it. Prominently standing with the Tri-Colour within the historic walls of ancient Jerusalem, the Hospice today houses a library, a prayer chamber and guest rooms where Indian officials, guests, pilgrims and visitors reside during their visits to the City.

COVID-19: Indian medical supplies to reach Palestine soon 