Today's Edition
Wael Badran (Rafah)
Dr. Maha Barakat, the UAE’s Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs for Medical and Life Sciences, disclosed that the UAE has dispatched over 11,000 tonnes of humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip. This substantial aid includes food, water, and vital medical supplies.
She highlighted the nation’s ongoing relief efforts, which notably encompass the inauguration of a seawater desalination station, serving clean water to 300,000 people in the sector.
In an exclusive interview with Aletihad aboard an aircraft transporting Gaza children for medical treatment in Abu Dhabi hospitals, Barakat shared insights on the UAE’s humanitarian initiatives.
His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, has pledged to treat a thousand children and a thousand cancer patients from the Gaza Strip, Barakat noted. “This is our fifth trip transporting children for treatment in our country,” she said.
Reflecting on specific cases, she said: “We are heartened by our success in evacuating children like the girl Qamar and the boy Mohammed, who endured a challenging journey and injuries.” She empathised with their hardship, from navigating the war zone to crossing the Egyptian border before finally arriving in the UAE. She expressed her satisfaction at their successful evacuation.
Barakat affirmed that Abu Dhabi hospitals are fully equipped to provide these children with the highest standard of care, aiding their recovery and helping them regain strength and overcome their pain.
She also mentioned other initiatives, such as the 150-bed field hospital in Gaza, which offers a range of treatments, including complex surgeries. She touched on the plight of patients suffering from burns, fractures, and head injuries, many of whom required amputations, and commended the medical team’s dedication to assisting these patients.
Additionally, she noted the UAE’s commitment to providing humanitarian assistance, with the recent dispatch of over 11,000 tonnes of aid, including essential medical supplies.
“The latest UAE contribution to the sector includes water desalination stations, ensuring daily access to clean water for about 300,000 people,” she added.
Barakat concluded her interview with Aletihad by emphasising the significance of these initiatives and expressing hope that they collectively alleviate the suffering of the Palestinian people.
