Today's Edition
HAMED RAAB (GAZA)
The UAE on Thursday increased its humanitarian efforts in the Gaza Strip by delivering 10 fully equipped ambulances, a move that underscores its commitment to bolstering the medical infrastructure in the region.
This contribution was highlighted during a ceremony where the Palestinian Ministry of Health lauded the "Gallant Knight 3" humanitarian initiative as one of the most impactful globally in terms of medical and humanitarian aid.
In an exclusive statement to Aletihad during the handover of the ambulances, Dr. Ashraf al-Qudra, the ministry's spokesperson in Gaza, expressed profound appreciation to President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan for his pivotal role in orchestrating the "Gallant Knight 3" operation, which notably included the establishment of an Emirati field hospital in Rafah city.
This gesture of solidarity comes at a critical time for Gaza, following the devastation of 132 ambulances during recent conflicts, severely impairing the region's capacity to provide urgent medical care.
Dr. Al-Qudra said: "On behalf of the Palestinian people in the Gaza Strip, which have been under continuous war for 132 consecutive days, we express our sincere appreciation and gratitude to His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, may God protect him, for his noble directives in launching the 'Gallant Knight 3' operation."
Dispatched to the Egyptian city of El-Arish on February 5, these ambulances are set to significantly enhance the emergency response system in Gaza, facilitating the transfer of critical cases to the Emirati field hospital and other medical facilities.
The Emirati field hospital, helping 3,902 patients so far, has been instrumental in offering comprehensive emergency and medical treatments to the Palestinian brothers amidst the ongoing crisis, as the majority of the health sector, including ambulances, was damaged or destroyed, compounding the crisis.
The "Gallant Knight 3" operation, which recently marked its 100th day, has been pivotal in delivering a wide range of humanitarian aid, addressing the dire needs of Gaza's residents and mitigating the hardships they face.
To date, the UAE's contributions through this initiative have surpassed 10,575 tonnes of aid, encompassing 435 land convoys, a shipload, and 154 cargo flights.
Furthermore, the initiative has seen the establishment of six water desalination stations, capable of producing over 1.2 million gallons of water daily, directly benefitting the people of Gaza.
The Emirati field hospital, a cornerstone of the UAE's humanitarian efforts, is staffed with specialised medical personnel capable of performing a variety of surgeries and providing comprehensive care across multiple disciplines, including general surgery, paediatrics, and orthopaedics. Its facilities, including state-of-the-art surgical rooms, intensive care units, and support services like CT scans, X-rays, pharmacy, and a laboratory, adhere to the highest international standards, ensuring optimal patient care.
