The United Arab Emirates’ field hospital in Rafah, located in the southern Gaza Strip, has sustained damages during ongoing military operations in the area, the Joint Operations Command of the Ministry of Defence confirmed on Tuesday through its humanitarian mission, Gallant Knight 3.
A video shared by Gallant Knight 3 on its official social media channels showed scenes of visible destruction within the hospital compound.
Several tents, medical beds, tables, and critical equipment were seen damaged. The footage also captured debris scattered across the hospital grounds.
According to the mission’s statement, the damages were caused by shrapnel resulting from nearby military activity. While the statement confirmed that the hospital’s infrastructure and equipment were impacted, it described the losses as “limited material damages.” No casualties among medical staff or patients have been reported so far.
The UAE’s field hospital in Rafah has been one of the cornerstones of the country’s broader humanitarian initiative in Gaza.
The deployment of Operation Gallant Knight 3 was ordered by UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and began on November 5, 2023, in response to the intensifying humanitarian crisis following Israel’s military operations in Gaza that began on October 7, 2023.
Since its establishment, the hospital has treated over 50,489 patients and performed 1,228 surgeries, according to official figures released by the UAE’s Ministry of Defence.
The hospital is staffed entirely by Emirati medical professionals and volunteers, many of whom have been working in high-risk conditions to provide critical care to those affected by the conflict.
Beyond the field hospital, the UAE has led a broad humanitarian relief operation in Gaza. Gallant Knight 3 has seen the delivery of over 60,000 tonnes of aid, including food, shelter, and medical supplies.
Additionally, 17 ambulances have been donated to local health services, and the UAE has established 44 community kitchens and nine bakeries to support the food needs of displaced civilians.
In an effort to address Gaza’s worsening water crisis, the UAE has also constructed six desalination plants, which are now providing clean water to thousands of residents. Furthermore, the country has flown 1,000 injured or sick children to the UAE for treatment and is currently providing care for 1,000 cancer patients from Gaza.
The recent damage to the field hospital comes amid escalating tensions and ongoing hostilities in the Gaza Strip, where infrastructure, including medical facilities, has been repeatedly affected by the conflict.
Humanitarian agencies and international organizations have consistently called for the protection of medical personnel and facilities in conflict zones, in accordance with international humanitarian law.
The UAE has not yet indicated whether the damage will lead to temporary suspension of operations at the Rafah facility, but sources close to the mission confirmed that emergency medical services are still being provided despite the disruption.
As the conflict continues, the UAE remains one of the leading international contributors to humanitarian relief in Gaza. The country has reiterated its commitment to supporting the Palestinian people and restoring essential services in the region.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members