UAE launches world’s largest medical and humanitarian aid campaign for Gaza

The United Arab Emirates stands at the forefront of the world’s leading donors of medical, humanitarian, and development assistance. True to its longstanding humanitarian commitment, the UAE has consistently led international efforts to support vulnerable populations in times of crisis and emergency.

As part of its ongoing relief efforts under the “Operation Gallant Knight 3”, the UAE has provided thousands of tons of aid to the Palestinian people in Gaza to date.

In the field of medical and health support, the UAE established a 200-bed field hospital in Rafah, southern Gaza, which has treated tens of thousands of patients. The hospital is equipped with advanced surgical suites capable of performing a variety of procedures, including general surgery, pediatric surgery, and vascular surgery. It also houses intensive care units for both adults and children, an anesthesia department, and specialized clinics in internal medicine, dentistry, orthopedics, psychiatry, family medicine, pediatrics, and gynecology, in addition to auxiliary medical services.

The hospital also offers CT scanning, X-ray services, and a fully equipped pharmacy, alongside a modern laboratory outfitted with the latest diagnostic equipment, ensuring the delivery of comprehensive treatment in line with international medical standards and protocols.

The UAE’s field hospital in Gaza is staffed with highly qualified medical professionals and specialists across various disciplines, including volunteer doctors. The hospital also features a prosthetics center that provides injured individuals with advanced orthopedic treatments, high-quality artificial limbs, and full rehabilitation support.

Additionally, the UAE Floating Hospital in Arish, Egypt, has provided medical care to thousands of Gaza residents. Officially launched on February 24, 2024, the hospital became a symbol of UAE solidarity with the Palestinian people, offering 24/7 integrated healthcare to patients and the wounded.

The floating hospital includes an Emirati medical and administrative team across various specialties, with a capacity of 100 patient beds and 100 beds for companions, as well as advanced medical facilities such as operating theaters, intensive care units, radiology departments, and laboratories.

In collaboration with an Indonesian medical team, which includes doctors and surgeons in key specialties, the hospital’s capabilities have been significantly enhanced to manage critical cases, particularly in surgery and physiotherapy.

As part of “Operation Gallant Knight 3,” the UAE launched a prosthetic limbs initiative to aid those who lost limbs due to the war. The program aims to provide advanced prosthetics that restore mobility and improve quality of life for the injured. In addition, the initiative includes psychological support and medical rehabilitation to help recipients adapt to their new circumstances and regain independence.

To support the overwhelmed healthcare system, the UAE dispatched 17 fully equipped ambulances to Gaza, addressing the shortage caused by the destruction or breakdown of hundreds of vehicles. These state-of-the-art ambulances are equipped with the latest medical technologies to assist hospitals in providing emergency care and safely transporting the wounded amid severe operational challenges.

The UAE also launched a polio vaccination campaign for Palestinian children, as part of its continued efforts to alleviate the humanitarian crisis and protect the most vulnerable segments of the population.

On May 15, the UAE announced the launch of a major humanitarian water project under “Operation Gallant Knight 3” to supply desalinated water from Egypt to southern Gaza via a new and unprecedented pipeline, aimed at addressing the severe water crisis in the region.

During a press conference held at the Coastal Municipalities Water Utility headquarters in Deir al-Balah, the UAE detailed the construction of a 315mm pipeline stretching 6.7 kilometers, connecting the UAE-built desalination plant in Egypt to displacement areas between Khan Younis and Rafah.

This project aims to serve approximately 600,000 residents, providing 15 liters of desalinated water per person per day, in light of the destruction of over 80% of water facilities in Gaza due to ongoing conflict.

The UAE also undertook the rehabilitation of potable water wells in central Gaza, supported by the Sharjah Charity Association, the Saqr bin Mohammed Al Qasimi Foundation, and Dar Al Ber Society, in coordination with the Coastal Municipalities Water Utility. This comprehensive project includes the restoration of central wells across municipalities in Gaza.

With Gaza facing a severe water crisis due to prolonged humanitarian conditions and infrastructure destruction, access to clean water has become essential in combating thirst, disease, and malnutrition—particularly amid the shutdown of desalination plants and the shortage of fuel.

The well rehabilitation project involves infrastructure upgrades, pump and generator maintenance, and restarting non-functional wells, ensuring the flow of clean water to hundreds of thousands of people in central Gaza and alleviating the growing humanitarian burden.

Water remains a top priority for the UAE under “Operation Gallant Knight 3”. The UAE recently launched another strategic desalinated water pipeline project from Egyptian territory to the Mawasi areas in Rafah and Khan Younis, which is expected to benefit about 600,000 people in southern Gaza.

In tandem with ongoing well rehabilitation works, these water security projects reflect the UAE’s unwavering commitment to addressing urgent needs in Gaza, especially in light of ongoing hardships, widespread infrastructure damage, and the escalating need for clean and safe water.

Through these landmark initiatives, the UAE continues to demonstrate its global leadership in humanitarian aid—delivering comprehensive, life-saving support to the people of Gaza by land, sea, and air.