The United Arab Emirates (UAE), in partnership with the World Health Organization (WHO), has announced an urgent medical evacuation initiative to assist Palestinians in the Gaza Strip. The operation aims to evacuate 148 individuals, including 85 sick and severely injured Palestinians, along with 63 accompanying family members, to Abu Dhabi. This effort, which includes cancer patients needing extensive treatment, underscores the UAE’s humanitarian commitment to the Palestinian people amidst the ongoing crisis.
The evacuation will proceed through a coordinated route starting from the Ramon airport in Israel and passing through the Karam Abu Salem crossing. Reem Al Hashimy, the UAE’s Minister of State for International Cooperation, highlighted the importance of this mission. She stated that the initiative reflects the UAE’s enduring support for the Palestinian people and their dedication to providing immediate relief. Al Hashimy emphasized that this evacuation route is unprecedented, signifying the critical nature of the situation and the UAE’s determination to alleviate the suffering of Gaza’s residents.
Al Hashimy also mentioned that the UAE has already welcomed 709 patients and 787 of their family members from Gaza for medical treatment, following directives from UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
The UAE aims to care for a total of 2,000 injured and cancer patients from Gaza. This significant effort is part of a broader initiative to ensure the urgent and sustainable delivery of aid, including food, relief, and medical items. To date, the UAE has sent over 40,000 tonnes of aid, delivered through various means such as ships, flights, airdrops, and trucks.
Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the WHO, expressed gratitude for the UAE’s support. He called for the establishment of more evacuation corridors, including routes through the Kerem Shalom and Rafah crossings to Egypt and Jordan, and for evacuations to the West Bank, including East Jerusalem. Dr. Tedros emphasized the dire need for these actions, as many sick individuals are suffering without necessary care.
This joint initiative by the UAE and WHO highlights the importance of international cooperation in addressing humanitarian crises and calls for continued efforts to support vulnerable populations.