Photo courtesy of kun.uz
The government of Uzbekistan has successfully evacuated 100 injured Palestinian women and children, along with their accompanying family members, from Rafah in southern Gaza. Mansurbek Kilichev, Uzbekistan’s ambassador to Egypt, provided this information to journalists, as reported by local outlet Ahram.
The evacuation was carried out under the initiative of Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev and in close cooperation between the Health Ministries of Uzbekistan and Egypt.
Kilichev stated that the evacuees will remain in Uzbekistan until it is safe for them to return home. They will be accommodated in hospitals and rehabilitation centers for medical treatment and recovery. The Uzbek government has committed to ensuring their well-being during their stay by providing essential services, including housing, food, and access to education.
The ambassador also recalled Mirziyoyev’s address at the extraordinary Arab-Islamic summit on Palestine in November. During his speech, the president emphasized the need to halt military operations in Gaza and establish secure humanitarian corridors. He also expressed Uzbekistan’s readiness to welcome injured Palestinian women and children for treatment and rehabilitation.
Rafah is a city in southern Gaza bordering Egypt. Following the onset of Israel’s military operations, over a million Palestinians fled from northern and central Gaza to the city. For some time, the Rafah border crossing served as the only land route for humanitarian aid deliveries and the evacuation of the wounded. However, in May this year, Israeli forces entered the city, and hostilities have persisted despite rulings from the International Court of Justice.
Uzbekistan’s humanitarian action highlights the country's active role in supporting vulnerable populations during the ongoing crisis in Gaza.
