A Lifeline for Gaza: UAE Evacuates Critically Ill Patients Amidst Ongoing Crisis
In a remarkable display of compassion and international collaboration, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has evacuated 85 critically ill patients from Gaza, offering them a chance at life-saving medical treatment. This act of solidarity, facilitated by the World Health Organization (WHO) and other partners, shines a light on the urgent need for increased humanitarian aid and access to healthcare in the region.
Dr. Hanan Hassan Balki, WHO Regional Director for the Eastern Mediterranean, expressed her gratitude to the UAE, stating, “This initiative is a clear demonstration of the urgent need for solidarity at this time. Support for the people in the region must start from within the region itself.” She emphasized the dire situation in Gaza, where thousands remain at risk due to limited access to specialized medical care.
The evacuated group, airlifted from the besieged territory to Abu Dhabi, included 35 children and 50 adults. Among them were 53 cancer patients, including four children, highlighting the vulnerability of young lives caught in the crossfire. The remaining patients suffered from a range of severe conditions, including blood disorders like thalassemia and Fanconi anemia, congenital diseases, neurological conditions, heart disease, liver disease, and kidney failure.
The evacuation itself was a testament to the dedication of the WHO team and its partners. Navigating damaged roads, security concerns, and potential dangers, they successfully transported patients from various locations in Gaza to the Erez crossing into Israel, and then on to Ramallah Airport. This complex operation, initially scheduled for July 29th but postponed due to unforeseen circumstances, required significant logistical adjustments and resource reallocation.
Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General, commended the UAE’s support, stating, “We hope this will pave the way for establishing evacuation corridors through all possible routes, particularly the Erez and Rafah crossings to Jordan and Egypt, and from there to other countries.” He further called for the resumption of evacuations to the West Bank and East Jerusalem, emphasizing the plight of thousands suffering needlessly.
This recent evacuation follows previous efforts coordinated by the WHO to airlift patients from Cairo to Spain and Belgium, providing critical care to 20 individuals in recent days. Since October 2023, nearly 5,000 people have been evacuated from Gaza for medical treatment, with the majority receiving care in Egypt, Qatar, and the UAE. However, the need remains immense, with over 10,000 individuals still requiring urgent medical evacuation.
The WHO continues to urge the international community to intensify efforts to ensure safe, sustainable, and timely medical evacuations from Gaza. This recent act of compassion by the UAE serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of international collaboration and the urgent need for a lasting solution to the ongoing crisis.
