UAE And WHO Collaborate To Evacuate Patients From Gaza For Critical Care

The United Arab Emirates, in collaboration with the World Health Organisation, executed a critical humanitarian mission on Wednesday. They evacuated 97 severely injured individuals and patients from the Gaza Strip, including cancer patients requiring extensive treatment. These evacuees were accompanied by 155 family members and 142 children, transported to Abu Dhabi from Ramon airport in Israel via the Karam Abu Salam crossing for essential medical care.

Reem bint Ebrahim Al Hashimy, Minister of State for International Cooperation, stated: "The evacuation flight, which is the second flight to depart from Ramon airport, highlights the UAE’s efforts to provide advanced medical care to injured Palestinians." This initiative underscores the UAE’s dedication to supporting Palestinians amid the dire conditions in Gaza.

Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the World Health Organisation, expressed gratitude towards the UAE for facilitating this evacuation. He said: "We once again thank the UAE for its support of this evacuation of the sick and wounded from the Gaza Strip to receive the urgent care they need. We continue to hope that this and other initiatives will show what is possible and make more evacuations happen for more people. And once again, the World Health Organisation calls for a ceasefire."

Since the onset of the crisis, the UAE has been actively enhancing its humanitarian response for wounded and sick Palestinians. The nation has previously evacuated 1,655 patients along with their family members through similar initiatives. With this recent flight, over 1,917 patients and their families have been evacuated.

The UAE has also delivered more than 40,000 tonnes of urgent aid comprising food, medical supplies, and relief materials through various means. This includes 10 ships, 1,300 trucks, 316 flights, and 104 airdrops under the "Bird of Goodness" campaign. The total humanitarian aid sent via airdrops to Northern Gaza exceeds 3,450 tonnes.

Continued International Collaboration

Al Hashimy further emphasized that this new initiative reflects an unwavering commitment to aiding Palestinians during these catastrophic times. She remarked: "The new initiative to evacuate injured and sick Palestinians reflects the UAE’s unwavering commitment to support the Palestinians during the disastrous conditions witnessed in the Strip. We will continue to closely work with our international partners and the United Nations to lead and intensify efforts aiming to alleviate this humanitarian catastrophe."

This mission marks another significant step in providing necessary medical assistance and showcases what can be achieved through international cooperation. The ongoing efforts aim not only at immediate relief but also at fostering long-term support for those affected by ongoing conflicts.

The UAE's consistent efforts highlight its role in addressing humanitarian crises effectively while working alongside global partners like WHO. Such initiatives are crucial in ensuring that those in dire need receive timely help and medical attention.

With inputs from WAM