In a significant act of generosity and compassion, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), has mandated immediate medical treatment for 1,000 Palestinian children from the Gaza Strip. This initiative extends to their families as well, ensuring they receive top-notch medical and healthcare services in UAE hospitals.
This significant humanitarian action is a testament to the UAE’s unwavering commitment to stand by the Palestinian people, offering support and assistance amidst challenging times.
The Emirates News Agency (WAM) confirmed that this move is a direct reflection of the UAE’s foundational principles of brotherhood, compassion, and readiness to extend a helping hand to those in desperate need.
Concurrently, His Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the UAE’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, engaged in a pivotal conversation with the President of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). Mirjana Spoljaric Egger.
The dialogue centered on the critical need to expedite the delivery of medical and relief aid to the civilians in Gaza, emphasizing continuous, safe, and intensified support. The call highlighted the urgency of uniting regional and international efforts to amplify the humanitarian response amidst the ongoing crisis.
The UAE, through various channels and initiatives, has been at the forefront of alleviating the challenging humanitarian conditions in Palestine, particularly in Gaza. The country has mobilized its resources to provide extensive medical and healthcare support, as detailed in the WAM report.
This initiative to host the children and their families aligns with the UAE’s intensified humanitarian support that started on October 7th, following the eruption of conflict in Gaza. Direct orders from His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed ensured the prompt delivery of urgent aid to the Palestinians, exceeding 154 million AED in value.
Adding to the country’s humanitarian efforts, the “Tarahum for Gaza” initiative was launched, gathering over 800 tons of relief aid in less than two weeks. This was made possible through the participation of more than 10,100 volunteers, who prepared 38,000 relief baskets, demonstrating the global humanitarian call to action for the Palestinian civilians.
The UAE’s unwavering support for Palestine also extends through contributions to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), complemented by relief flights that have recently reached El Arish Airport in northeastern Egypt.
In response to this generous initiative, the hashtag #UAE_Nation_of_Humanity has trended across social media platforms, showcasing widespread appreciation and support.
Emirati blogger Ibrahim Bahzad praised the initiative, tweeting, “In true Emirati spirit and commitment to supporting our brothers and sisters, the President directs the treatment of 1,000 Palestinian children in UAE hospitals, along with their families.”
Hamad Al Balushi, another prominent voice, expressed his admiration, stating, “Mohamed is a man of his word, known for his virtues. A true leader, he has left an indelible mark through his actions. His resolute stances in times of need speak volumes, akin to the legendary Abu Zayd Al Hilali. He is a beacon of pride and a true blessing to all.”
The UAE has consistently played a vital role in intertwining humanitarian assistance with extensive diplomatic initiatives to aid the Palestinian people, especially in the strife-torn region of Gaza.
On a notable occasion this past Monday, Lana Zaki Nusseibeh, the Permanent Representative of the UAE to the UN, asserted the critical need for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza.
She stressed the importance of ensuring safe and sustainable access to humanitarian aid, alongside providing essential services like electricity and clean water. Nusseibeh emphasized that Palestinian lives are invaluable, deserve equality, and must be fully protected by law.
The UAE’s commitment to Gaza and its residents has been unwavering. On July 6, the UAE donated $15 million to assist in rehabilitating areas in Jenin, North Palestine, that were ravaged by Israeli assaults. This funding was channeled through the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA).
In June, the UAE bolstered UNRWA with a $20 million contribution, followed by a further donation of 7.3 million AED to the municipality of Hebron, Palestine, a directive from Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
March saw a significant UAE contribution of $3 million for the reconstruction of the Palestinian town of Hawara. This initiative followed the largest medical aid convoy ever sent to Gaza by the UAE, a shipment valued at $10 million, consisting of essential medications and medical supplies.