UAE And WHO Team Up For Major Medical Evacuation From Gaza

Dr. Richard Peeperkorn, the World Health Organisation (WHO) Representative in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, expressed gratitude to the UAE for its contributions and collaboration in Gaza. During a virtual press conference from Gaza with journalists in Geneva, Dr. Peeperkorn highlighted a recent medical evacuation organised by WHO and the UAE.

The evacuation took place yesterday, transporting patients from Gaza to Abu Dhabi via Ramon Airport in Israel and the Karam Abu Salam crossing. This operation was the largest since 23rd October 2023. Dr. Peeperkorn noted that it was a highly complex mission conducted within a narrow time frame.

The group included 97 individuals, consisting of 49 women and 48 men. They were either patients or severely injured individuals, with half suffering from war injuries and the other half from chronic diseases. Additionally, 155 people accompanied these patients.

WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus also praised the UAE for its support in evacuating the sick and wounded from Gaza to receive urgent care. He stated, "We continue to hope that this and other initiatives will show what is possible and make more evacuations happen for more people."

UAE's Ongoing Support

Since the crisis began, the UAE has been actively bolstering relief efforts for injured and sick Palestinians facing dire conditions. The UAE had previously evacuated 1,665 patients and their companions through earlier initiatives. With yesterday’s flight, this number increased to a total of 1,917 patients and companions.

The UAE has also provided over 40,000 tonnes of urgent aid through various means including 10 ships, 1,300 trucks, 316 aircraft, and 104 airdrops under the Birds of Goodness initiative. More than 3,450 tonnes of aid were dropped over northern Gaza as part of this initiative.

This comprehensive support underscores the UAE's commitment to aiding those affected by the ongoing conflict in Gaza.

With inputs from WAM