The supply is expected to reach the Gaza Strip, where the population density and risk of contagion is higher.

Emirates sends health aid to Palestinian territories

photo_camera AFP/KARIM SAHIB - Tons of medical equipment and coronavirus test kits provided by the World Health Organization at one of the UAE airports

Another example of the United Arab Emirates' (UAE) fight against the spread of the coronavirus. In recent hours, an Emirates airline plane brought a contingent of medical equipment into Palestinian territory from Abu Dhabi airport. It is expected that at least some of those supplies will be sent to the Gaza Strip, where the population density and the risk of widespread contagion are greater because of the difficult living conditions of its inhabitants.

UAE Foreign Minister of State Anwar Gargash stressed his country's "strong and principled" support for the Palestinians, many of whom live in overcrowded refugee camps throughout the Middle East region. Mr Gargash stressed his country's good relations with the United Nations Refugee Agency (UNRWA), and asked Commissioner Philippe Lazarini to chair the agency's advisory board in July.

Over the past six years, the Gulf country has sent a total of US$216 million to UNRWA, which represents a contribution of US$36 million a year to provide health, education and social services.

Since the beginning of the global coronavirus pandemic, the United Arab Emirates had been one of the world's leading actors in cooperation and the fight against the disease. The medical equipment and materials produced on its territory have been exported to many countries, including Iran, which has been one of the territories most affected by the spread of the pathogen throughout the Middle East region.
 

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