UAE to Evacuate 1,000 Injured Children and Cancer Patients from Gaza as UN Calls for Immediate Ceasefire to End Conflict

The conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza has caused a humanitarian crisis, according to the United Nations. The Israel Defense Forces’ assault has displaced around 90% of the population and leveled 40,000 buildings, leaving many civilians searching for shelter, food, clean water and medical care.

The Palestinian Health Ministry estimates that 20,000 people have been killed in Gaza since October 7th, as a result of Israel’s bombing campaign and ground invasion. To address the medical needs of the most desperately ill, a commercial Boeing 777 jet was fitted with state-of-the-art medical equipment. The World Health Organization reported that in the decimated northern half of the enclave, there are “actually no functional hospitals left.”

The Hamas-run Health Ministry estimates that nearly 20,000 people have been killed in the war with Israel, with 70% of those killed being women and children. The numbers do not include many dead who are still buried in the rubble of bombed buildings.

In response to the crisis, the United Arab Emirates has pledged to evacuate up to 1,000 injured children and 1,000 cancer patients by plane. The evacuation is expected to begin in the coming days.

The United Nations is calling for an immediate ceasefire to end the conflict and allow for the delivery of humanitarian aid to those in need.