H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, the Crown Prince of Dubai and Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of the United Arab Emirates, has pledged to provide prosthetic limbs for Mohammad Saeed Shaaban, a seven-year-old boy from Gaza who tragically lost both his legs and his right arm due to the ongoing conflict in the region.
The boy’s mother shared a poignant video showing Mohammad navigating a Palestinian camp with the use of only one arm, expressing her heartfelt wish for him to walk again. This emotional appeal highlights the urgent need for support and rehabilitation for those affected by the conflict.
In response to the humanitarian crisis, the UAE has launched the Gallant Knight operation, which includes the establishment of a Prosthetic Limb Centre within its field hospital in the Gaza Strip. This facility is dedicated to providing prosthetic limbs to Palestinians injured during the hostilities. The Centre aims to assist over 100 patients daily, offering not only prosthetics but also physical therapy and rehabilitation services.
The UAE’s 150-bed field hospital, set up in December 2023, is designed to alleviate the overwhelming pressure on Gaza’s healthcare system amid ongoing conflict. It serves various medical needs, including general surgery, orthopedics, anesthetic services, and intensive care for both children and adults, alongside services in internal medicine, dentistry, family medicine, and psychiatric care.
The initiative is being conducted with the support of the Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan Foundation, the Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan Charitable and Humanitarian Foundation, and the Emirates Red Crescent. Since the escalation of violence between Israel and Hamas in October 2023, the UAE has been a key contributor to humanitarian efforts in the region, accounting for 42% of the total aid dispatched to Gaza.
This multi-faceted response underscores the UAE’s commitment to humanitarian efforts and the need for sustained support for those impacted by the ongoing conflict.
