India and Palestine Finalize West Bank Hospital Agreement

The Government of India and the Government of Palestine have finalized paperwork for the construction of a 200-bed super-speciality hospital and modern trauma center in the West Bank. The facility is designed to serve the regions of Jenin, Tulkarm, and Tubas. This project is part of a broader development package that includes a Technical and Vocational Education and Training center at the Palestinian National Printing Press and an artificial limb fitment center.

During a visit to Ramallah, Ministry of External Affairs Secretary Sripriya Ranganathan signed the memorandum of understanding for the hospital and delivered a consignment of essential medicines, including anti-cancer drugs, to the Palestinian Ministry of Health. India also announced plans to deploy a field hospital in Gaza and reaffirmed its support for a negotiated two-state solution.

Palestinian Ambassador to India Abdullah M. Abu Shawesh described the timing of the aid as critical, noting that the Palestinian health and education sectors are on the brink of collapse. While welcoming the West Bank hospital, Shawesh urged India to prioritize the artificial limb center in Gaza to assist over 5,000 amputees. In a reciprocal diplomatic gesture, Palestine announced its support for India's bid for a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council for 2028-2029.