LONDON: The UAE has launched a maritime hospital headed for Al-Arish in Egypt, to extend critical medical assistance to Palestinians in Gaza, Emirates News Agency reported on Thursday.
Departing from Khalifa Port, the hospital is staffed by a team of 100 professionals, encompassing a wide range of specialties such as anesthesia, general surgery, orthopedics and emergency medicine, alongside nurses and paramedics.
The field hospital is equipped to accommodate 100 patients and well-prepared with facilities including operating rooms, an intensive care unit, a radiology department, a laboratory, a pharmacy and medical storage areas. It also features an evacuation helicopter, a medical evacuation boat and ambulances, all furnished with state-of-the-art medical technology.
The hospital is in line with the directives of UAE’s President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al-Nahyan, aiming to provide support to the Palestinian people in Gaza Strip through the Gallant Knight 3 humanitarian operation. Developed by the Department of Health — Abu Dhabi and AD Ports Group, it serves to bolster the capabilities of the 200-bed UAE field hospital in Gaza.
The hospital, which was launched in December, is staffed by 64 volunteer medical professionals from 17 different nationalities, including 48 men and 16 women, and has successfully conducted more than 555 significant surgeries and provided treatment for more than 4,038 individuals over the past two months.
Meanwhile, a convoy of 84 trucks loaded with humanitarian aid entered the Gaza Strip through the Rafah border crossing in Egypt, Jordan News Agency reported on Thursday.
According to an official source from the Egyptian Red Crescent, 80 trucks were filled with vital goods including food, pharmaceuticals, medical equipment, blankets and tents, addressing the immediate needs of Gaza’s 2.3 million population.
Another four trucks carrying fuel were also delivered. This fuel is set to be distributed by the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees and the Palestine Red Crescent Society, supporting critical energy needs in the occupied Palestinian enclave.
In addition, the Gallant Knight 3 humanitarian operation announced the entry of 10 fully equipped ambulances into the Gaza through the Rafah crossing, Emirates News Agency reported on Wednesday.
The delivery aims to respond to the urgent need for ambulances after Israel’s military damaged most of the vehicles used in the Strip to transport wounded and injured Palestinian residents.
These vehicles will serve the Emirati field hospital and other health facilities, alleviating Palestinian suffering and supporting the Gaza Strip’s health care system, which is facing increasing challenges.
The UAE has sent more than 10,575 tons of humanitarian aid to Gaza via the Gallant Knight 3, using 435 land trucks and shiploads and 154 cargo planes.
The Emirati field hospital has treated nearly 4,000 Palestinian patients.
The UAE has also established six water desalination plants with a daily production capacity of 1.2 million gallons, which will directly benefit Gaza residents.
