“If Not India, Who?”: Palestine Envoy Urges New Delhi To Lead Gaza Reconstruction

By Orlin Milinov

New Delhi:
Palestine’s Ambassador to India, Abdullah Abu Shawesh, has made a passionate appeal for India to play a leading role in rebuilding Gaza and ending the humanitarian crisis that has devastated the Palestinian territory. Speaking to NDTV, Shawesh said India’s global influence, historic ties, and unique relationship with Israel make it the ideal nation to help chart a just and lasting peace.

“If it is not you, then who? If it is not India, then who?” Shawesh asked, calling India a “natural champion of the Global South.” He emphasized that New Delhi has the moral credibility and diplomatic weight to act as a bridge between Palestine and Israel — pressing for both accountability and reconstruction in the war-torn region.

“67,000 Palestinians Killed — Purely Civilians”

In an emotional recounting of Gaza’s humanitarian collapse, the envoy said tens of thousands of civilians — including children — have perished since the conflict began.

“The 67,000 Palestinians who were killed are utterly, purely civilians, not belonging to Hamas,” Shawesh said, citing photographic evidence and victim lists that, he claimed, disprove Israeli assertions about militant casualties.

He described severe malnutrition, collapsing hospitals, and horrific medical conditions. “We are talking about 500 children who lost their lives because of hunger. Many surgeries were done without anesthesia. Children had their legs amputated with no pain relief,” he said.

Shawesh went on to accuse Israel of committing genocide, referencing statements from international experts and human rights organizations. “Even Israeli watch groups declared that it’s genocide,” he added.

“If You Call Hamas Terrorists, What Do You Call Occupation?”

Addressing critics who argue that dismantling Hamas is necessary for peace, the ambassador said the root cause of violence lies in Israel’s occupation.

“If you call Hamas terrorists, I have no problem with that for the sake of argument,” he said. “But what are you going to call the occupation? The occupation itself is the very definition of terror.”

He reiterated that the Palestinian Authority envisions no place for militias in a future Palestinian state, asserting that “there is no room for armed groups outside state control.”

“India Has Always Stood With Justice”

Turning to India’s historical relationship with Palestine, Shawesh invoked Mahatma Gandhi’s opposition to the Partition of Palestine and praised India’s consistent diplomatic support — including its recognition of Palestine in 1988 and recent votes at the United Nations.

“India’s support runs deep — across political parties and regions, from Kerala to New Delhi,” he said, noting that he has held discussions with multiple Indian leaders and civil society groups.

On terrorism, Shawesh made clear that Palestine condemns attacks on Indian soil, recalling a letter of solidarity sent by President Mahmoud Abbas after the Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir. “Our position was clear — we condemn such acts,” he affirmed.

A Call for India’s Leadership

Abu Shawesh’s appeal is both political and humanitarian. He urged India to use its diplomatic influence, development expertise, and moral voice to:

• Lead reconstruction efforts in Gaza,

• Support a two-state solution, and

• Help create conditions for lasting peace and legitimate security in the region.

“As India deepens its ties with Israel while maintaining friendship with Palestine, New Delhi’s global clout and moral authority are being sought to end one of the world’s most acute humanitarian crises,” Shawesh concluded.