Additional relief supplies for Gaza have been airlifted from Dubai, following the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.
His Highness ordered the dispatch of urgent supplies mobilised by the International Humanitarian City (IHC) in Dubai as part of a vital relief airbridge to Gaza through El Arish Airport in Egypt.
As part of the mission, a plane carrying around 11 metric tonnes of medicines and medical supplies took off early Wednesday for El Arish Airport where the aid consignment is to be transferred to a WHO team, which coordinates onward dispatches into Gaza.
"We are proactively supporting the international community to respond to the ongoing humanitarian emergency and ease suffering in Gaza. The mission of Dubai’s International Humanitarian City resonates deeply with its dedication to saving lives by fulfilling urgent medical needs in coordination with the World Health Organisation," said Giuseppe Saba, CEO of IHC.
The airlift is the first of a series of such missions this year, with three to four additional missions scheduled to deliver desperately needed aid to the people of Gaza.
The shipment will includes essential supplies, such as non-communicable disease kits and medicines in strict compliance with temperature controls during their transportation.
"As the health crisis in the Gaza Strip unfolds and as hostilities in Rafah escalate, these medicines are critical for people whose access to medical care has been severely restricted owing to shortages facing the health system as a whole," said Dr. Hanan Balkhy, the WHO's Regional Director for the Eastern Mediterranean.
The IHC moved swiftly last year to establish an airbridge to facilitate urgent relief supplies to populations affected by the escalating crisis in Gaza.
It facilitated six air shipments within ten days, leveraging its vast network to ensure a rapid response to the crisis.
.@HHShkMohd orders additional dispatch of critical humanitarian supplies to Gaza through relief airbridge. Flight carrying 11 metric tonnes of medicines and medical supplies departs for El Arish Airport in Egypt.https://t.co/9RQu8CXPXY pic.twitter.com/WXAwr0ZN8r
— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) February 21, 2024
WATCH: Dubai driver caught for reckless stunts on high-speed highway
H.H. Sheikh Mohammed opens DEWA's 'largest, smartest net-zero energy' HQ
UAE President discusses boosting trade ties during talks with India's Modi
UAE brokers new round of Russia-Ukraine prisoner exchange
H.H. Sheikh Khaled briefed on West-East oil pipeline project
Dubai's RTA impounds over 9,000 cars in 2025 for illegal parking
UAE condemns attack on Indian-flagged ship off Oman coast
UAE, UK ministers discuss regional stability, bilateral ties
H.H. Sheikh Hamdan reviews operations, developments at Jebel Ali Port
Drugs hidden inside passenger’s body seized at Abu Dhabi Airport
UAE President, Montenegro PM discuss stronger bilateral cooperation
Fujairah says pipeline work triggered fire in petroleum industries area
Yas Island announced as location for Sphere Abu Dhabi project
Warning issued on dangers of sudden road stops after 1 dead, 19 injured
UAE says reports of Israeli PM Netanyahu's visit 'entirely unfounded'
UAE launches platform to help Emiratis choose 'right academic, career paths'
Dubai Customs foils attempt to smuggle endangered bears through airport
UAE, Syria Presidents discuss cooperation and regional developments
UAE President, Qatari Emir discuss ties and regional developments
UAE reinforces anti-money laundering standards in gold sector
