The UAE recently sent a medical convoy consisting of one million COVID-19 vaccines to the Gaza Strip with the aim of helping the region in combating the pandemic crisis. The shipment with one million Sputnik COVID-19 vaccines arrived in the Gaza Strip via the Rafah crossing, Emirati state news agency WAM reported last week.

The report pointed out that it is "the largest medical support convoy from the UAE for the Gaza Strip" since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Upon arrival, the vaccine will be immediately made available to vaccination centres in the region to urge Gazans to get vaccinated in order to gain immunity against COVID-19. Gaza Strip has been struggling with a fourth wave of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Ghazi Hamad, the undersecretary of the Ministry of Social Development, thanked the UAE for its support and assistance at the critical time. Addressing a press conference at the Rafah crossing in southern Gaza Strip after the arrival of the convoy, he noted that the shipment will strengthen Gaza Strip's health sector and its ability to effectively curb the spread of the virus.

Former Palestinian health minister Dr. Jawad Al-Tibi underlined that the health sector is among the most prominent sectors in the country and all possible measures are being ensured to combat the global COVID-19 pandemic. He further hailed the UAE's aid support to facilitate steadfastness in tackling the pandemic-related in the Gaza Strip.

“This batch of Emirati aid comes at the right time to support the health sector and vaccinate students," he added.