UAE and WHO Launch Urgent Evacuation Initiative
Critical Evacuation of Patients
The United Arab Emirates (UAE), in a significant partnership with the World Health Organization (WHO), has launched an urgent and crucial initiative aimed at evacuating critically ill and severely injured Palestinians from the Gaza Strip. This humanitarian mission is designed to transfer 85 patients who are in dire medical need, along with 63 of their family members, to a safer location for necessary treatment.
Transportation and Destination
The patients and their accompanying family members will be flown from Ramon Airport in Israel to Abu Dhabi. They will be transported via the Karam Abu Salem crossing, which serves as the gateway for this humanitarian effort. The operation highlights the UAE’s unwavering commitment to providing essential support and relief to the people of Gaza amid the ongoing crisis. By facilitating this evacuation, the UAE aims to ensure that these individuals receive the urgent medical care they desperately need.
Ongoing UAE Support
The UAE’s dedication to aiding Gaza is evident through its ongoing efforts. To date, the UAE has played a crucial role in facilitating medical treatment for 709 patients from Gaza. In addition, 787 family members of these patients have been welcomed into the UAE. This support reflects the UAE’s broader commitment to alleviating suffering and providing critical assistance during these challenging times. The continued efforts underscore the UAE’s resolve to offer humanitarian aid and support the people of Gaza as they navigate this crisis.
Statements from UAE and WHO Officials
Reem Al Hashimy, UAE Minister of State for International Cooperation, has emphasized the critical nature of this evacuation mission. “At this critical time, the urgency of our mission to evacuate injured Palestinians to Abu Dhabi cannot be overstated. This unprecedented route reflects the gravity of the situation and our resolute commitment to alleviating the suffering of the people of the Gaza Strip. Our goal is to ensure that relief reaches those in need through all available means,” she stated.
Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the World Health Organization, expressed gratitude for the UAE’s efforts. “We are deeply thankful to the UAE for supporting the evacuation of sick and injured people from Gaza. This initiative is crucial for providing the urgent care they need. We hope this paves the way for establishing evacuation corridors through all possible routes, including the Kerem Shalom and Rafah crossings to Egypt and Jordan. From there, we aim to facilitate their transfer to other countries for continued care,” he said.
This collaborative effort between the UAE and WHO underscores a shared commitment to humanitarian assistance. It reflects the broader international community’s determination to provide relief and support to those affected by the crisis in Gaza. The UAE’s initiative not only addresses immediate medical needs but also highlights the importance of global cooperation in responding to humanitarian emergencies. Through these efforts, the UAE and WHO are working together to offer hope and critical support during this challenging period.
UAE and World Health Organization to initiate urgent medical evacuation of 148 Palestinians to Abu Dhabihttps://t.co/Bx2ceVOqnj pic.twitter.com/7zvcNcU5bV
— MoFA وزارة الخارجية (@mofauae) July 30, 2024

