PalestineAid – Embassy Urges India to Support Healthcare Emergency
PalestineAid – The Embassy of Palestine in India has appealed for immediate international support, particularly from India, as the healthcare system across Palestinian territories faces an escalating humanitarian crisis. In an official statement released on Friday, the embassy warned that medical services are under severe strain due to ongoing conflict, widespread infrastructure damage, restrictions on aid deliveries, and growing financial challenges affecting public health institutions.
Appeal for Immediate Humanitarian Assistance
The embassy stressed that urgent intervention is necessary to prevent further loss of life. It called upon India, humanitarian organizations, medical institutions, and civil society groups to extend support to Palestinian civilians facing worsening healthcare conditions. The statement also highlighted India’s long-standing reputation for humanitarian engagement and support for vulnerable communities during times of crisis.
Officials urged India to consider assistance through the Aarogya Maitri initiative, a humanitarian program aimed at providing medical support and essential supplies to countries affected by disasters and emergencies.
Hospitals Operating Under Severe Limitations
According to figures cited from international health agencies, healthcare services in Gaza have been significantly disrupted. The embassy stated that only 19 of the territory’s 36 hospitals are currently functioning, and even those facilities are operating under limited emergency conditions.
Medical centers are reportedly struggling with shortages of essential medicines, surgical equipment, blood supplies, dialysis materials, and fuel needed to power hospital generators. The increasing number of casualties has placed additional pressure on already overstretched healthcare facilities.
The embassy also emphasized the urgent need to transfer critically ill and injured patients outside Gaza for specialized treatment, as local medical resources continue to decline.
Growing Public Health Risks
Beyond the shortage of medical services, the statement pointed to deteriorating sanitation conditions that are contributing to broader public health concerns. Limited access to clean water, accumulation of waste, and damaged infrastructure have increased the risk of disease outbreaks across affected communities.
International humanitarian organizations have reported a rise in skin diseases and infections linked to poor sanitary conditions. The embassy also referenced estimates suggesting that thousands of bodies remain trapped beneath debris, creating additional health and environmental risks.
Health experts have warned that children, elderly individuals, and people with weakened immune systems are among the most vulnerable groups facing these conditions.
Impact on Children and Food Security
The humanitarian situation has also affected food availability and child welfare. According to international assessments cited by the embassy, many children are experiencing severe nutritional challenges, while access to maternal and child healthcare services has become increasingly limited.
The statement noted that psychological and emotional support services are urgently needed, with large numbers of children reportedly requiring mental health assistance after prolonged exposure to conflict and instability.
Financial Challenges Extend to the West Bank
The embassy stated that healthcare difficulties are not limited to Gaza. Hospitals and medical institutions in the West Bank and East Jerusalem are also facing significant financial pressures.
According to the statement, reduced public funding has affected the ability of healthcare providers to maintain services. Authorities have expanded free health insurance coverage to families impacted by economic hardship, but this measure has also increased demand on already stretched public hospitals.
Shortages Affect Medical Procedures and Cancer Treatment
Officials reported a substantial decline in the number of surgeries being performed in government hospitals. Thousands of planned procedures have reportedly been postponed this year because of shortages in medicines, supplies, and operational resources.
The embassy further highlighted concerns over the availability of essential medications. It stated that many critical drugs are currently unavailable, including treatments used for cancer and other serious illnesses. Shortages of dialysis equipment, surgical materials, and specialized medical supplies have also raised concerns about the treatment of patients with chronic conditions.
Call for Global Support
Concluding its appeal, the Embassy of Palestine urged the international community to accelerate humanitarian assistance efforts. It specifically requested life-saving medicines and medical supplies valued at approximately $100 million, stating that immediate action is necessary to help sustain healthcare services and protect civilian lives during the ongoing crisis.