SHAABAN BILAL (GAZA, CAIRO)

In a series of interviews with Aletihad, Palestinian political analysts and experts have lauded the United Arab Emirates for its significant humanitarian contributions in supporting the Palestinian people in the Gaza Strip.

Amid a deteriorating humanitarian crisis, the UAE has been instrumental in providing medicines, essential supplies, and spearheading multiple initiatives to alleviate the suffering of the Palestinian populace, the experts noted.

The UAE’s relentless relief efforts in Gaza are evident through various initiatives such as “Tarahum for Gaza” and “Gallant Knight 3”. These operations have been critical in establishing a field hospital, deploying medical teams, and ensuring food assistance via an air bridge since the conflict’s onset.

Nearly two million Palestinians in Gaza are enduring catastrophic health conditions, with children and women, particularly those displaced to the southern part of the Strip, facing dire circumstances, according to UNICEF. The organisation has raised alarms about the potential spread of diseases and a looming food security crisis, more perilous than famine.

Dr. Tayseer Abu Jumaa, Professor of Political Science at the University of Palestine, underscored the UAE’s pivotal role in the region, stating that the Emirati integrated field hospital is a major boon to the nearly decimated healthcare sector in Gaza.

Dr. Abu Jumaa also highlighted the significance of distributing tents, food, medicines, and essential supplies, especially in Rafah, the largest centre housing approximately 1.7 million displaced individuals from northern and central Gaza, out of a total population of 2.2 million in the Strip.

Imad Mohsen, spokesperson for the Democratic Reform Current within the Fatah movement, expressed profound gratitude on behalf of the Palestinian people for the UAE’s initiatives, notably the “Gallant Knight 3” operation. He emphasised that the UAE has consistently been steadfast in its support for the Palestinian people, standing by them in all circumstances.

Talal Abu Tharifa, a member of the Political Bureau of the Democratic Front for the Liberation of Palestine, acknowledged the UAE’s long-standing support for the Palestinian cause, remarking that the country’s substantial assistance over the years has significantly contributed to improving the Palestinian situation.

Abu Tharifa also mentioned the crucial role of the “Gallant Knight 3” operation and the “Tarahum for Gaza” initiative, particularly in light of the restricted humanitarian aid flow due to the blockade on the Gaza Strip.

The humanitarian condition in the Gaza Strip is reaching “catastrophic levels”, according to UN reports. This situation has been exacerbated by the targeting of vital infrastructure, including solar energy sources crucial for operating water desalination stations.

The combined impact of the blockade and the conflict has severely hindered access to essential services, ranging from fuel shortages affecting generators in sewage stations and hospitals, to the targeting of bakeries and civilian gatherings.