UAE's 22nd Mission Brings Gaza’s Wounded to Safety

In a continuing humanitarian effort, the United Arab Emirates, in partnership with the World Health Organisation (WHO), has carried out its twenty-second evacuation of critically wounded individuals from the Gaza Strip. The operation saw 86 patients, including children and cancer patients requiring urgent treatment, airlifted to Abu Dhabi, along with 124 accompanying family members, after crossing via Kerem Shalom and departing from Ramon Airport in Israel.

Sultan Mohammed Al Shamsi, Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs for Development and International Organisations and Member of the International Humanitarian and Philanthropic Council, underscored the significance of this mission. “This new initiative reflects the strong levels of cooperation between the UAE and the World Health Organization, and exemplifies the UAE's steadfast and enduring commitment to support the brotherly Palestinians amidst the humanitarian catastrophe in the Strip,” he stated.

Al Shamsi further commented on the UAE’s dedication to global cooperation in this humanitarian crisis. "We remain resolute in our collaboration with the United Nations, international partners, and relief organisations, and we will continue to extensively undertake a leading and pioneering role in providing advanced healthcare to wounded Palestinians and those suffering from incurable diseases. We are steadfastly supporting endeavours to alleviate this humanitarian crisis using all available means," he added.

This recent evacuation aligns with an initiative set forth by UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, which aims to treat 1,000 wounded children and 1,000 cancer patients from Gaza in UAE hospitals. So far, a total of 2,127 patients and accompanying family members have been transported to the UAE for necessary medical attention.

Beyond evacuations, the UAE’s support for the Palestinian people has included the establishment of a Field Hospital in the southern Gaza Strip, operational since December 2, 2023. The facility has provided treatment to 50,489 patients to date. Additionally, a hospital ship stationed in Al-Arish Port since February 2024 has attended to 6,405 cases, further extending advanced healthcare services to those in urgent need.

To meet ongoing needs, the UAE has also delivered over 43,000 tonnes of emergency aid—comprising food, medical supplies, and essential relief items—to the Palestinian people, demonstrating a sustained commitment to alleviating the humanitarian challenges facing Gaza.