New York [US], September 17: The UN Senior Humanitarian and Reconstruction Coordinator for Gaza, Sigrid Kaag, said that "the recent medical evacuation of 252 patients and family members from Gaza to the United Arab Emirates - the largest so far - is a good development."
The international official made the statements during her briefing to the Security Council on September 16.
"The recent medical evacuation of 252 patients and family members, in this case, to the United Arab Emirates - the largest so far - is a good development, however, much more is needed. Over 14,000 patients require specialised treatment outside of the Gaza Strip. And I would like to use this opportunity to call on all Member States to extend their solidarity by hosting these patients and their families," she said.
"In Gaza, more than 41,000 Palestinians have been killed, and over 93,000 have been injured. Recent data from the World Health Organisation estimate that more than 22,000 people have sustained life-altering injuries. Severe limb injuries between 13 to 17,000, often resulting in amputation. These are a sad reflection of the tragedy of this war. Many of those injured have more than one injury. The health infrastructure, already crippled, has been further decimated."
She highlighted the vaccination campaign led by WHO, UNRWA and UNICEF in the Gaza strip, saying: "Following intensive coordination, the first round of a two-round vaccination campaign led by WHO, UNRWA and UNICEF has successfully been completed. The second phase of the vaccination campaign should commence in approximately four weeks."
Sigrid Kaag stressed that the international community has the responsibility to "provide protection and aid remaining steadfast in our duty to advocate for a lasting peace-a secure Israel and a fully independent, viable, and sovereign Palestinian state."
Source: Emirates News Agency