India, Palestine lift each other up as Israel election nears

“When we used to talk about the reform of the United Nations at large and the Security Council in particular, one of our appeals as a Southern country was to have India at least be one of the countries to have a permanent seat on the Council,” said Shawesh, who, prior to his posting as Palestinian Ambassador to India, served at the UN for eight years.

He pointed to India’s global standing as a major economy and political power and said Palestinians hope New Delhi would use its influences, including its ties with Israel, “to push forward the peace process”.

Besides the hospital, which is it funding, New Delhi is also supporting a vocational training centre and discussing the provision of artificial limbs for amputees in Gaza. Shawesh said that the two countries are also in talks on medical equipment, including dialysis machines, some of which are expected to be moved into Palestine through Jordan.

During Ranganathan’s ongoing visit, India has reaffirmed its consistent support for the Palestinian people and a negotiated two-state solution for the region, as per MEA.

The diplomat had called on Shahin on Tuesday and discussed the full range of India-Palestine relations, with a focus on developments in Gaza, humanitarian needs, and India’s longstanding development partnership with the Palestinian people.

This is the first high-level visit from India to the affected Gaza region after conflict broke out in October 2023.

As per the MEA, Ranganathan also conveyed India’s concern over the “grave humanitarian situation in Gaza” and stressed the need for a “safe, sustained and unhindered delivery of humanitarian assistance” to civilians.

“She reiterated India’s support for efforts towards peace and stability and for a lasting political resolution of conflict through dialogue and diplomacy,” the Ministry added.

On the outcomes expected out of Ranganathan’s visit, Shawesh said, “It is very significant for both of us because it came at a very critical time, when the Palestinians are enduring a devastating situation, the health sector is on the brink of collapse… and India is one of the countries we have reached out to help us.”

With almost two months left for the parliamentary election in Israel, Shawesh said the Palestinian people are once again being made to “pay the price” for Israeli domestic politics, adding that the Board of Peace, unveiled by US President Donald Trump in early 2026, is only a step towards temporarily “resolving” the conflict in Gaza and not one to build lasting peace.