The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has made significant strides in providing critical aid to the healthcare sector in Gaza, reinforcing its commitment to humanitarian assistance through the “Brave Knight 3” initiative. This effort showcases the UAE’s dedication to ensuring that the healthcare system in Gaza remains operational and can address the ongoing medical challenges exacerbated by the region’s escalating crisis.
Robust Humanitarian Response
The UAE has demonstrated extraordinary readiness and professionalism in its swift humanitarian response to the urgent medical challenges facing Gaza. This commitment is evident through the establishment of the Emirati field hospital within Gaza, as well as the deployment of a floating hospital to El Arish, Egypt. The UAE has facilitated the transfer of severely ill patients to its hospitals for critical medical treatment while also sending diverse medical supplies to bolster healthcare capabilities within Gaza.
Field Hospital’s Impact
Since its inauguration in December 2023, the comprehensive Emirati field hospital in Gaza has been providing essential medical services to the local population. A team of specialized medical professionals and volunteers has been instrumental in addressing various health needs. By April, over 51,000 patients received treatment at this facility, covering critical injuries and complex surgical procedures.
Among its numerous initiatives, the field hospital has launched a noteworthy program to fit prosthetic limbs for patients who have suffered amputations, helping to support their rehabilitation and restore their quality of life. The hospital, equipped with 200 beds, offers operating theaters capable of performing a range of surgical interventions.
For instance, doctors successfully removed a five-kilogram tumor from a patient’s abdomen, alleviating years of severe pain and health complications.
Floating Hospital Initiative
In February 2024, the UAE sent a fully equipped floating hospital to aid the Palestinian people near the coast of El Arish. Comprising a multidisciplinary medical and administrative team—including specialists in anesthesia, general surgery, orthopedics, and emergency medicine—this floating hospital handled approximately 10,370 cases by April, showcasing the UAE’s ongoing commitment to Gulf humanitarian efforts.
This hospital provides 100 beds, along with operating rooms, intensive care units, imaging facilities, a laboratory, a pharmacy, and medical warehouses, addressing the urgent medical needs of many individuals.
Comprehensive Medical Support
In a broader context, the UAE has facilitated the transfer of critically ill patients to its hospitals in accordance with directives from His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, aiming to host 1,000 Palestinian cancer patients from Gaza for necessary treatment and healthcare services. Additionally, the UAE has made provisions for 1,000 Palestinian children and their families to receive comprehensive medical care until they fully recover.
By May 14, the total number of patients and accompanying family members transported to the UAE reached 2,634, reflecting the country’s unwavering commitment to delivering essential medical care to its Palestinian brothers and sisters.
Ongoing Medical Aid and Initiatives
Medical supplies and healthcare resources represent a substantial portion of the UAE’s humanitarian aid directed to Palestinians in Gaza since the onset of the crisis. The Emirates has provided various essential medicines and medical equipment, including dialysis machines, ultrasound devices, respiratory resuscitation aids, wheelchairs, and emergency vehicles.
In the wake of the “Brave Knight 3” operation, the UAE has delivered over 1,200 tons of medical supplies to support local hospitals in Gaza’s healthcare infrastructure, along with enhancing emergency services with 17 state-of-the-art ambulances. Furthermore, a comprehensive immunization campaign against polio was carried out for over 640,000 children, reinforcing preventive measures for future generations.
In addition, the Dubai Humanitarian Aid initiative has sent substantial aid shipments to El Arish Airport, delivering around 256 metric tons of medical supplies, partnering with the World Health Organization to support Gaza’s healthcare system.
The UAE is also working on initiatives to provide access to clean drinking water in Gaza, which aids in improving public health and preventing the spread of communicable diseases. Projects focusing on the rehabilitation of sewage networks are underway to reduce pollution and curb outbreaks of infectious diseases.