UAE Sends 3 Tonnes of Medical Aid to Gaza

UAE Sends Critical Medical Aid to Gaza Amid Escalating Humanitarian Crisis

The UAE has recently intensified its humanitarian efforts by sending three tonnes of medical aid and medicines to the Gaza Strip, following a series of Israeli airstrikes in Khan Younis that resulted in the death of over 90 people on Saturday. The state news agency Wam reported that this shipment of aid includes essential medical supplies needed by hospitals currently facing significant shortages. The supplies encompass a variety of medicines for different types of injuries, a substantial quantity of insulin for diabetics, and various medical solutions to bolster the health sector amid this critical situation.

In addition to these medical supplies, the UAE has also sent 10 ambulances, bringing the total amount of aid dispatched to date to 337 tonnes. This aid is part of a broader effort to enhance the capacity of hospitals in Gaza to provide necessary medical care.

In a recent pledging conference held in New York, the UAE reaffirmed its support for the UN Palestinian refugee agency UNRWA. UAE Ambassador to the UN Mohammed Abushahab emphasized the UAE’s commitment to Gaza and rejected any attempts to undermine its humanitarian role. He stated, “My country stands in solidarity with the UNRWA’s efforts to continue its vital role despite the serious challenges it faces.” This statement underscores the UAE’s dedication to providing hope and relief to Palestinian refugees during these difficult times.

Under the framework of Operation Gallant Knight 3, the UAE has established two hospitals to assist those in need: a field hospital in the southern Gaza Strip and a floating hospital. The field hospital has treated over 21,000 patients, while the floating hospital located in Egypt’s Al Arish has provided care for an additional 700 people.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs released figures indicating that the aid has been transported via 320 flights, seven ships, and 1,243 lorries up until June 13. The UAE’s support extends beyond medical aid; it has also set up five automatic bakeries and six desalination plants in Gaza. These desalination plants produce 1.2 million gallons of clean water daily, benefitting approximately 600,000 people. Furthermore, the UAE has conducted aid drops, delivering at least 3,380 tonnes of relief supplies to isolated parts of Gaza.

These humanitarian efforts are part of an international response aimed at alleviating the dire conditions in Gaza, which have persisted for over nine months due to ongoing conflict. Recently, United Nations rights experts accused Israel of engaging in a “targeted starvation campaign” against Palestinians in Gaza. According to a statement issued by 10 independent UN experts, including the UN Special Rapporteur on the right to food, Michael Fakhri, this campaign has led to widespread famine across the region. The experts described Israel’s actions as a form of genocidal violence.

Although the UN has not officially declared a famine in Gaza, the experts insist that the situation unmistakably meets the criteria. They highlighted the severe humanitarian impact of Israel’s control over Gaza’s entry and exit points since the seizure of the Rafah border crossing between Gaza and Egypt in May.

The ongoing conflict has exacerbated the already dire situation in Gaza, where 2.3 million residents were heavily dependent on aid even before the hostilities erupted following Hamas’s attack on Israel in October. The comprehensive aid provided by the UAE aims to address the immediate needs of the Gaza population, providing crucial support in the face of an escalating humanitarian crisis.