UAE Boosts Help: 1,000 Injured Palestinian Children To Reach Emirati Hospitals

As part of the United Arab Emirates’ enduring efforts to extend assistance to those in need around the world, President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan has directed that 1,000 injured Palestinian children be brought to Emirati hospitals for medical treatment.

The initiative is an extension of the UAE’s continued efforts to offer assistance to the Palestinians, in response to the grave humanitarian conditions they are facing. A statement said the injured children will be transported from Gaza and accompanied by their families.

The news came shortly after Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed, Minister of Foreign Affairs, and Mirjana Spoljaric, president of the International Committee of the Red cross, discussed the importance of “enabling the safe, unimpeded and sustained delivery of relief and medical aid”.

Opening Of Crucial Rafah Border Crossing In Focus

The brutal Israel-Hamas war has been raging for the past 27 days, with thousands of innocent civilians killed on either sides. On Wednesday, the Rafah Border Crossing between Gaza and Egypt opened for the first time amid the violence for injured Palestinians and foreign nationals.

The opening of the crossing was negotiated between Israel, Hamas and Egypt, in coordination with the US. It follows pressure from international parties to open Rafah on humanitarian grounds. But it’s not clear how long the crossing would remain open.

The unprecedented event came against a shocking backdrop of scores of fatalities reported in a deadly attack on the Jabalia refugee camp in Gaza. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the UAE “strongly condemned the air strikes by Israel”, highlighting “irreparable ramifications”.

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Israel’s Bombardment And Evacuation Orders In Focus

On Monday, the UN Security Council held an emergency meeting upon the UAE’s request to be convened in light of Israel’s announcement of expanded ground operations in Gaza. The Emirates called for a truce, while criticising the targeting of hospitals by Israel’s bombardment.

Lana Nusseibeh, ambassador and permanent representative of the UAE to the UN, raised serious concerns over Israel issuing “cruel” evacuation orders before striking civilian infrastructure. She called for efforts to be undertaken to ensure aid reaches the enclave.

The ongoing Israel-Hamas war broke out early on October 7 when Hamas launched a surprise attack on numerous Israeli cities, killing about 1,400 people and taking about 230 hostages. The UAE had condemned the attack as a “serious and grave escalation”.

UAE Steps Up Humanitarian Aid And Diplomatic Support

President Sheikh Mohamed also attended a hastily-convened Cairo Peace Summit last month. His Highness’s participation in the Summit aligns with the Emirates’ efforts to collaborate with international partners in supporting all diplomatic initiatives.

Drawing the involvement of leaders from various Arab nations and other countries, along with their governmental representatives, the Summit sought to emphasise the utmost priority of an immediate ceasefire and ending hostilities to prevent further expansion of the conflict.

Meanwhile, the UAE has also been stepping up humanitarian support for Palestinians in Gaza, with the ‘Tarahum for Gaza’ campaign helping Emiratis donate in different ways. The event reflects the country’s values of humanitarian support and solidarity.