More than 5,000 surgeries have been conducted aboard a floating hospital set up by the UAE to deliver critical support to Palestinian patients affected by the Israel-Gaza war since its launch last year.
The repurposed ship - which is docked at Al Arish in Egypt - began operations on February 24, 2024, as part of the UAE's humanitarian response to the deadly conflict.
The medical facility at sea is equipped with advanced surgical and intensive care units, a radiology department and laboratories, with a capacity of 100 patient beds, and an additional 100 for accompanying relatives.
Hospital officials have told of the remarkable work being carried out to assist embattled civilians over the past 20 months.
Life-saving support
Latest figures shared with The National on Thursday, showed the hospital has completed 5,004 operations, 6,034 physiotherapy sessions and 26 prosthetics procedures.
Mohammed Khadher, 23, from central Gaza, is one of the thousands to have been given a lifeline by dedicated doctors on the vessel.
He was taken to the floating hospital in February after being seriously hurt in an explosion as Israel air attacks battered the enclave.
“I was injured in an explosion. I had broken bones in my hand and leg. I had burns all over my body,” Mr Khadher said.
He was suffering from right leg and right arm, in addition to complications from previous injuries.
He continues to receive medical care at the hospital and is undergoing an extensive physiotherapy programme to put him on the road to recovery.
“We provide full support to our brothers in the hospital with advanced and complicated surgeries,” said Dr Ali Saeed Al Kaabi, director of the UAE Floating Hospital.
“The patient is also receiving essential psychological and humanitarian support during his rehabilitation."
Mr Khadher expressed his gratitude to the medical staff for their round-the-clock care.
“I want to thank the UAE for all the support and treatment. They cleaned my injuries. I want to thank every Emirati for their services."
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The UAE's floating hospital in Al Arish, Egypt, has provided treatment for thousands of Gazans. All photos: Victor Besa / The National -
Nashaat Abdul Bari, 31, is among the patients at the hospital, which was established in February 2024. -
Palestinians Zain Aldery, seven, and his sister Assil, 21. The hospital was set up as part of the UAE's Operation Gallant Knight 3. -
Ayman Ibrahim, a patient on the vessel, where thousands of surgical procedures have been carried out to help those injured in Israel's war on Gaza. -
Patients read the Quran during Ramadan on the floating hospital. -
Palestinian handicrafts onboard hospital, where social and recreational activities are held, including programmes for children. -
Patients receive care from an Emirati medical and administrative team, working alongside Indonesian staff. -
Ship staff onboard the hospital at Al Arish. Operation Gallant Knight 3 was launched by UAE President Sheikh Mohamed. -
The floating hospital has 100 patient beds, with 100 more for accompanying relatives.
Show of solidarity
The UAE launched a humanitarian campaign - called Operation Gallant Knight 3 - to provide essential support to Palestinians following the outbreak of the war with Israel on October 7, 2023.
The Emirates has carried out 29 evacuation flights to bring Gazans to the UAE to receive medical care, under which 2,961 sick and wounded Palestinians and companions have been flown to safety.
The assistance is in line with President Sheikh Mohamed’s directive for treatment to be provided at UAE hospitals to 1,000 wounded Palestinian children and a further 1,000 cancer patients in a show of solidarity with Gaza.
UAE authorities also regularly sent aid by land and sea - including food and medical supplies - to assist Palestinians.
A US-brokered ceasefire in Gaza came into effect last month, raising hopes that peace and stability can be restored following the two-year conflict in which the death toll is approaching 70,000.
Much of Gaza's population of more than two million has been displaced by the war, with chronic food shortages and limited access to health services and aid leading to a worsening humanitarian crisis.
The Israeli military began its offensive after Hamas-led militants attacked southern Israel, killing 1,200 people and abducting 240.
