The UAE has played a crucial role in a major medical evacuation from Gaza, the largest since October 2023, according to Dr. Richard Pepperkorn, World Health Organisation (WHO) Representative for the occupied Palestinian territories. During a press conference from Gaza, Dr. Pepperkorn highlighted the UAE’s contributions, which facilitated the complex transfer of patients in need of urgent care.
The evacuation, which took place on Monday, saw 97 patients—49 women and 48 men—safely transported from Gaza to Abu Dhabi for medical treatment. “This operation was particularly challenging due to the narrow time window,” said Dr. Pepperkorn, noting that half of the patients were war victims, while the other half suffered from chronic illnesses. Accompanying the patients were 155 companions.
Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General, also expressed his gratitude to the UAE, emphasizing the significance of such initiatives in supporting Gaza’s wounded and sick. “We hope that this initiative will lead to more evacuations and help even more individuals in need,” Dr. Ghebreyesus said.
Since the onset of the crisis, the UAE has worked diligently to enhance relief efforts. The recent mission brings the total number of evacuated patients and their companions to 1,917. The country has also provided more than 40,000 tons of urgent aid, including food and medical supplies, as part of its ongoing “Birds of Goodness” operation.