The UAE has welcomed a new group of wounded Palestinian children and cancer patients to support those affected by the ongoing Israel-Gaza conflict. On Friday night, 28 patients, along with 35 family members, arrived at Abu Dhabi International Airport from Al Arish Airport in Egypt. They were promptly transported to local hospitals for medical treatment.
This group marks the eighth batch of Gazans to receive medical aid in the UAE as part of a large-scale humanitarian initiative. The initiative, announced by President Sheikh Mohamed, aims to treat 1,000 injured Palestinian children and 1,000 cancer patients. It underscores the UAE’s commitment to supporting the Palestinian people during these challenging times.
Patients have expressed gratitude towards the UAE, praising its “unique model” of responding to humanitarian crises, as reported by the state news agency Wam. In addition to medical support, the UAE has also enhanced its humanitarian efforts in the region. Notably, Sheikh Shakhbout bin Nahyan, Minister of State, inaugurated the expansion of desalination plants at the Rafah border with Gaza. These upgraded facilities are now capable of supplying 4.5 million liters of clean drinking water daily to the Gazan population.
The Israel-Gaza war, now in its fourth month, has led to devastating casualties. Over 9,600 children have been killed, and more than 45,000 rockets and bombs have been deployed since October 7. The total death toll in Gaza has exceeded 22,300, with over 57,000 injuries recorded. According to the Hamas government’s media office, approximately 1.9 million people have been displaced, and 65,000 tonnes of explosives have been used by Israel, resulting in damage to nearly 290,000 homes.