The World Health Organization (WHO) has expressed its gratitude towards the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for its significant efforts in evacuating patients from Gaza. This initiative has provided critical medical care to those in dire need, showcasing the UAE’s commitment to humanitarian aid.
Key Takeaways
- WHO appreciates UAE’s efforts in evacuating patients from Gaza.
- The evacuation process was complex and involved 252 patients and their families.
- The UAE has been actively supporting Gaza with medical and relief supplies.
WHO’s Acknowledgment
Dr. Richard Pepperkorn, WHO Representative in the occupied Palestinian territories, extended special thanks to the UAE for its contributions. He highlighted the complexity of the medical evacuation process, which involved 97 patients with severe injuries and chronic diseases, along with 155 accompanying family members.
Details of the Evacuation
The evacuation, organized in partnership with the UAE, saw patients and their families transported from Ramon Airport in Israel to Abu Dhabi via the Kerem Shalom crossing. This operation, the largest since October 23, 2023, ensured that the patients received the highest level of medical care.
UAE’s Ongoing Support
Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of WHO, also expressed his appreciation for the UAE’s support. He emphasized the importance of such initiatives in enhancing the available capabilities for more evacuations in the future.
UAE’s Humanitarian Efforts
Since the beginning of the crisis, the UAE has made significant efforts to support the injured and sick in Gaza. Key initiatives include:
- Evacuating 1,665 patients and their companions in previous efforts.
- Providing over 40,000 tons of urgent aid, including food, medical, and relief supplies.
- Conducting Operation “Birds of Goodness,” which involved dropping more than 3,450 tons of aid from the air over northern Gaza.
Future Prospects
The UAE’s continuous support and humanitarian efforts are expected to pave the way for more such initiatives, potentially leading to the evacuation of a greater number of individuals in need of urgent medical care.