ABDULLAH ABU DEIF (GAZA)
Acting Director of the Information Office at the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) in Gaza, Inas Hamdan, underscored the UAE’s pivotal support in tackling health challenges in the Gaza Strip in partnership with the UN agency.
Speaking exclusively to Aletihad, Hamdan praised the UAE’s substantial contributions to life-saving humanitarian operations for Palestinian refugees.
Hamdan described the humanitarian situation in Gaza as “catastrophic to the utmost extent,” with rapidly deteriorating conditions, especially in the health sector.
She voiced concerns about the potential reemergence of polio due to declining health services and a severe shortage of essential medical supplies.
“This warning from the World Health Organization (WHO) comes amid growing concerns about the reemergence of polio in the Strip, reflecting the severity of the health deterioration caused by ongoing bombardment and blockade,” she said.
Hamdan called for urgent international intervention.
UNRWA Commissioner-General, Philippe Lazzarini, had earlier called for an immediate humanitarian truce to enable UNRWA, in collaboration with UNICEF and the WHO, to conduct vaccination campaigns for children in Gaza, deeming it “the only way to mitigate the risk of the virus spreading.”
“The grim reality of Gaza, which suffers from a suffocating blockade and an escalating humanitarian crisis, is worsening by the day,” Hamdan added.
She emphasised that the possible reemergence of the polio virus highlights the depth of the crisis, which requires fundamental solutions, including lifting the blockade and securing basic needs.
Hamdan also warned that significant financial challenges hinder UNRWA’s ability to provide essential services to Palestinian refugees in Gaza, despite continued support from some countries.
The UAE consistently reaffirms its support for UNRWA’s vital work, emphasising the importance of the UN agency amidst the unprecedented crisis facing Gaza’s residents.
In April, the UAE welcomed the findings of an independent review panel on UNRWA’s performance, which confirmed its crucial role in supporting relief and development efforts for the Palestinian people.
In October 2023, the UAE announced urgent aid amounting to $20 million through UNRWA.
Earlier, in June, the UAE made a similar contribution to support the agency’s provision of education, healthcare, and social services to Palestinian refugees.
Under the directives of its wise leadership, the UAE continues its humanitarian efforts in Gaza, launching initiatives such as Operation Chivalrous Knight 3, which has delivered tens of thousands of tonnes of relief, humanitarian, food, and medical aid.
The UAE has also established a field hospital in Gaza and a floating hospital in the Egyptian city of Arish.