WHO commends UAE's Gaza evacuation efforts

World Health Organisation (WHO) Representative in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, Dr. Richard Peeperkorn, extended his thanks to the UAE for its pivotal role in a major medical evacuation operation in Gaza.

In a virtual press conference from Gaza with journalists in Geneva, the WHO Representative praised the UAE for helping sick and injured people in Gaza on Wednesday, in an evacuation operation which is the largest since October 23, 2023.

The evacuation involved 97 individuals, 49 women and 48 men, who were transported from Gaza to Abu Dhabi. 

The patients included those severely injured in the ongoing conflict as well as individuals suffering from chronic diseases. 

They were accompanied by 155 support personnel. The operation, which started at Ramon Airport in Israel and passed through the Karam Abu Salam crossing, was described as highly complex and conducted within a tight timeframe.

Dr. Peeperkorn also praised the UAE's commitment to providing advanced medical care and facilitating this crucial evacuation. 

WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus also acknowledged the UAE's significant support, hoping that such initiatives would pave the way for further evacuations and aid efforts.

The UAE has previously evacuated 1,665 patients and their companions, bringing the total number of evacuated individuals to 1,917 with the recent operation. 

In addition, the UAE has provided over 40,000 tonnes of aid, including food and medical supplies, through various means such as ships, trucks, aircraft, and airdrops.