Palestinian envoy praises India’s ‘significant’ new projects amid Gaza humanitarian crisis

In a major diplomatic development, the Palestinian Ambassador to India Abdullah Abu Shawesh has highly praised New Delhi’s newly announced humanitarian and developmental commitments. Abu Shawesh called them "very significant and very important" initiatives that address desperate local needs.

The ambassador's statement on Wednesday welcomed the pledge made by India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar to establish three major infrastructure projects: a specialty hospital, an artificial limb fitment centre, and a vocational training institute.

The commitments were formally highlighted during the launch of India's campaign for a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) for the 2028–2029 term, following high-level discussions at the Palestine Donor Group meeting in Brussels.

Projects welcomed by Palestine

Ambassador Abu Shawesh detailed how each of the three projects directly responds to critical, on-the-ground crises in the Palestinian territories:

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The Specialty Hospital (Jenin, West Bank): The envoy confirmed that implementation is in its final phases. This project fulfills a historic bilateral commitment originally made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his landmark visit in 2017.

The Artificial Limb Fitment Centre: Highlighting the catastrophic human toll of the conflict, the ambassador pointed out that between 5,000 and 6,000 Palestinians in Gaza have suffered life-altering amputations. He noted this fitment center is a "desperate need" that he had personally raised with Jaishankar during their first official meeting.

The Vocational Training Institute: Aimed at long-term economic survival, the centre will leverage India’s expertise in technical training. Abu Shawesh said the initiative arrives at a crucial juncture to help "sustain and push forward the Palestinian economy".

The envoy also expressed gratitude for India's recent $5 million financial pledge to the UN Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) to assist refugees.

India's balanced multilateralism

The timing of these announcements is highly strategic as New Delhi officially rolls out its UNSC campaign under the “Shanti [Securing Holistic Advancement through Norms, Trust, and Integrity]" (peace) vision. India is actively positioning itself as a credible, stabilising voice for the Global South.

By backing crucial humanitarian projects and reiterating its support for Palestine's full United Nations membership, India reinforces its traditional, principled commitment to a two-state solution. This also allows New Delhi to maintain its deep, strategic partnership with Israel, showcasing India’s unique capability to practice balanced, independent foreign policy on the global stage.