President Abbas Appeals to PM Modi for India's Help Amid Gaza Humanitarian Crisis
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas has reached out to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi through a personal letter, urging India to step in and address the deteriorating humanitarian situation in Gaza. This development was disclosed by Palestinian Ambassador to India, Abdallah M. Abu Shawesh, during an interview with WION’s Siddhant Sibal.
Ambassador Shawesh revealed that the letter contains a direct request from President Abbas to Prime Minister Modi. Abbas is seeking Modi's assistance, leveraging India's strong diplomatic ties with Israel, to advocate for the release of over $2 billion in withheld Palestinian tax revenues and to ensure the delivery of essential humanitarian aid to Gaza.
Shawesh stated, “The president conveyed a clear and personal message to Prime Minister Modi, urging him to use his favorable relationship with Israel to help terminate the starvation war being waged on Gaza. Aid is obstructed, with thousands of trucks stalled outside Gaza, while people are perishing.”
The ambassador depicted a dire scenario in Gaza, marked by destruction and despair. “Hunger is rampant in Gaza. Over 1,000 Palestinians have died in attempts to access so-called humanitarian aid. More than 80 percent of buildings are demolished, and 95 percent of the population is displaced, residing in makeshift plastic tents,” he elaborated.
He attributed the crisis to an Israeli blockade, supported by the United States and several Western nations. “This scenario goes beyond bombings; it represents a war of starvation,” he continued.
Shawesh emphasized India's long-standing backing of Palestine, noting its consistent support at the United Nations and other global platforms, as well as its contributions through developmental and educational aid. “India has consistently supported Palestine. We are now urging it to leverage its significant political influence and global leadership to do more,” he stated.
India operates a Representative Office in Ramallah and has supported various projects in Palestinian territories, including the Jawaharlal Nehru Library in Gaza and plans for a hospital in the West Bank. Despite some infrastructure damage due to the conflict, Shawesh affirmed that Indian-funded projects remain beneficial and expressed confidence in India’s pivotal role in post-war reconstruction.
Addressing questions about India's concerns over groups like Hamas, particularly regarding cross-border terrorism related to Pakistan, the ambassador distinguished between the Palestinian Authority and militant factions. “India's engagement is with the Palestinian Liberation Organization, not Hamas. We have always respected India's sovereignty and refrained from meddling in any country's domestic affairs,” he stated.
President Abbas's letter, characterized as a special appeal to Prime Minister Modi, forms part of Palestine's broader diplomatic initiatives to secure international backing amid escalating humanitarian challenges in Gaza. The appeal underscores the trust in India's burgeoning global stature and its historical commitment to supporting Palestinian self-determination.
