The trip, which was the 22nd of its kind, was carried out in cooperation with the World Health Organization, and included children and cancer patients in need of intensive treatment. They are scheduled to receive therapeutic and medical care in UAE hospitals, and the patients are accompanied by 124 family members.
Assistant Foreign Minister Sultan Muhammad Al Shamsi said: “This operation comes within the framework of cooperation between the UAE and the World Health Organization, and within the UAE’s firm commitment to support the Palestinian brothers in facing the catastrophic conditions facing the sector and the Palestinian people there.”
Al Shamsi stressed the importance of continuing to work and cooperate closely with the United Nations, international organizations concerned with relief, and international partners to play an effective and pioneering leadership role in providing advanced health care to wounded Palestinians or those suffering from incurable diseases.
He added: “We are working diligently to support efforts to alleviate this humanitarian catastrophe by all available means.”
It is noteworthy that the evacuation of the injured, injured, and Palestinian cancer patients comes within the framework of the initiative launched by the President of the Emirates, Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, in October 2023, to treat 1,000 children and a similar number of cancer patients from the Gaza Strip in hospitals in the Emirates. To date, 2,127 patients and companions have arrived.
Source: WAM
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**Interview with Sultan Muhammad Al Shamsi, UAE Assistant Foreign Minister**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us, Mr. Al Shamsi. This ongoing initiative to evacuate and treat injured children and cancer patients from Gaza is indeed commendable. Can you elaborate on how this initiative aligns with the UAE’s broader foreign humanitarian policy?
**Al Shamsi:** Thank you for having me. This initiative is a manifestation of the UAE’s commitment to humanitarian principles. Our cooperation with the World Health Organization allows us to address urgent health needs while showing solidarity with the Palestinian people. We believe it’s crucial to provide advanced medical care to those who are suffering, particularly children and cancer patients who require intensive treatment.
**Interviewer:** It sounds like a significant effort. However, some may argue that while providing medical assistance is vital, it should also be accompanied by long-term support and solutions for the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza. What are your thoughts?
**Al Shamsi:** That’s a valid point. Our initiative is just one part of a multi-faceted approach. We are committed to collaborating with international organizations and partners to ensure a holistic response to the crisis. While immediate medical care is essential, we recognize the need for long-term solutions and will continue to advocate for a sustainable path toward peace and stability in the region.
**Interviewer:** The numbers are striking—over 2,000 patients and companions evacuated so far. But what do you say to critics who might argue that this is merely a band-aid solution rather than addressing the root causes of the suffering?
**Al Shamsi:** It’s important to remember that every life saved is significant. While we acknowledge that this initiative cannot resolve the broader issues at play, the immediate need for medical care cannot be overlooked. We are facilitating critical life-saving interventions and engaging in continuous dialogue about long-term strategies. Every effort made contributes to alleviating human suffering.
**Interviewer:** This brings up an important debate about how humanitarian aid should be provided. Do you believe that humanitarian assistance should always take precedence in a politically sensitive environment like Gaza, or should it come with political conditions?
**Al Shamsi:** Humanitarian aid must always prioritize human life and dignity. While political solutions are vital for lasting peace, the urgency of healthcare needs transcends political dynamics. Our focus remains on alleviating suffering without conditions that delay or diminish the essential aid provided to those in desperate need.
**Interviewer:** Thank you for your insights, Mr. Al Shamsi. This dialogue certainly highlights the complexities surrounding humanitarian aid and its intersection with politics.
**Question for Readers:** In light of these humanitarian efforts, do you believe that providing immediate medical assistance to Gaza is enough, or should it also be tied to political conditions and long-term solutions? Share your thoughts.
