UAE pledges $64.5 million to east Jerusalem hospital amid Gaza crisis

The United Arab Emirates announced a $64.5 million grant to a major Palestinian hospital in East Jerusalem on Monday, providing critical support for healthcare services strained by the ongoing Israel-Gaza conflict.

The funding, directed by UAE President Sheikh Mohamed, aims to sustain operations at Al Makassed Hospital, which serves tens of thousands of Palestinians, The Nationalreported.

The grant will cover operational expenses, staff salaries, and facility upgrades at the 250-bed hospital, which has been a cornerstone of Palestinian healthcare since 1968.

"This generous grant is truly a lifeline for our hospital," said Dr. Adnan Farhoud, Al Makassed's deputy director general. "This new funding gives us a golden opportunity to preserve the hospital and improve the level of healthcare we provide in beloved Jerusalem."

The hospital has faced severe challenges since the outbreak of war in October 2023. Patients from Gaza, who previously comprised 40% of the hospital's admissions, have been completely cut off, while West Bank patient numbers have plummeted due to increased military checkpoints and travel restrictions.

About 80% of the hospital's 950 medical and administrative staff come from the West Bank and face similar obstacles reaching work, according to Dr. Farhoud.

This marks the UAE's second major contribution to Al Makassed in recent years, following a $25 million donation in July 2022 when the facility nearly closed after losing local government funding during the COVID-19 pandemic.

'Unwavering support'

Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed, Chairman of the International Humanitarian and Philanthropic Council, emphasized the UAE's "unwavering support" for Palestinians across all sectors of society.

The World Health Organization praised the UAE's intervention. "WHO is grateful to the United Arab Emirates for its support of Al Makassed Hospital so that it can continue to provide essential care," said WHO Director General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.

The hospital provides specialized care and runs a medical residency program covering 13 disciplines. More than 540 specialized doctors have graduated from the program, which is accredited by both Palestinian and Jordanian medical authorities.

The death toll in Gaza since October 7, 2023, has now exceeded 50,000, with more than 113,000 injured. The UAE has responded with its Operation Gallant Knight 3 humanitarian campaign, which has delivered over 65,000 tons of aid to Gaza through approximately 600 flights, seven ships, and nearly 3,500 trucks.