India sends 2nd batch of aid to Gaza amidst humanitarian crisis

New Delhi, Nov 21: In a continued effort to assist Palestinians caught in the crossfire in Gaza, India dispatched a second batch of aid on Sunday. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar took to the X social media platform to share the update, emphasizing India's commitment to delivering humanitarian assistance to the people of Palestine.

Sharing this on social media X, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Arindam Bagchi stated, "2nd tranche of humanitarian assistance for the people of Palestine arrives in Egypt. Relief material handed over to the Egyptian Red Crescent for further transmission to Palestine."

The second aid shipment, totalling 32 tonnes, was transported via the Indian Air Force's C17 aircraft to Egypt's El-Arish Airport, located approximately 45 kilometres from the Rafah crossing on Egypt’s border with the Gaza Strip. Jaishankar, in his social media post, stated, "Second Indian Air Force C17 aircraft carrying 32 tonnes of aid departed for the El-Arish Airport in Egypt."

This follows India's earlier support to Palestine, with the first batch of aid, including medical and disaster relief, sent on October 22. The Indian Air Force played a crucial role in this endeavour, delivering nearly 6.5 tonnes of medical aid and 32 tonnes of disaster relief materials through an IAF C-17 flight.

Gaza has been grappling with severe shortages of essential supplies such as food, water, medicine, oxygen, and petrol. The Rafah crossing, vital for both travel and the transportation of goods, remains a key entry point for humanitarian aid into Gaza.