The UAE in Gaza: From humanitarian aid to the “Green Rafah” project

Abu Dhabi, UAE – The United Arab Emirates has recently become prominently involved in several issues related to the Gaza Strip, beginning with humanitarian aid and medical evacuations. Its role has since expanded to include reconstruction projects and proposed arrangements for the post-war period. The “Green Rafah” project in eastern Rafah stands out as one of the most significant projects associated with Abu Dhabi. Israeli reports indicate that this pilot project in eastern Rafah aims to provide a residential area for Palestinians. This is part of broader arrangements for the reconstruction of the Gaza Strip and the establishment of areas not under the control of Hamas.

“Green Rafah”: An Emirati project in southern Gaza

Israeli media outlets reported that a UAE-backed pilot project is being prepared in eastern Rafah, involving infrastructure work and the development of an area for temporary housing for Palestinians. The Jerusalem Post stated that the Emirati pilot project in Rafah has been under consideration for several months and is linked to broader plans to establish temporary housing in areas of the Gaza Strip not controlled by Hamas. The project is located in an area under Israeli control. However, details regarding the future management of the area and the mechanism for selecting beneficiaries are still under discussion.

Ongoing humanitarian aid

The UAE’s presence in Gaza was not limited to reconstruction projects. Since the outbreak of the war, the UAE has announced extensive relief operations for Palestinians in the Strip, including sending food and medical aid and establishing a field hospital. In addition, it provided treatment for a number of wounded and sick individuals. The UAE also participated in evacuating and transferring Palestinian patients and their companions to receive treatment outside the Strip, as part of humanitarian initiatives announced by Abu Dhabi.

Field hospital and medical aid

The UAE established a field hospital in southern Gaza, providing medical services to the sick and wounded. Medical aid included medicines, medical supplies, and equipment, as well as the transfer of patients requiring specialized care. The UAE also announced at various times that it would receive Palestinian patients and the wounded in its hospitals. Particular attention was given to children, cancer patients, and those requiring surgery or advanced care.

“The Noble Knight”: The Emirati Framework for Aid

The UAE provided a significant portion of its aid to Gaza through Operation “Al-Faris Al-Shahid 3,” launched to deliver humanitarian and relief support to Palestinians. The operation included sending shipments of food, medical supplies, and other relief items, as well as operating a field hospital and providing medical services. The aid also encompassed the establishment and operation of facilities to serve displaced persons and provide basic necessities in various areas of the Gaza Strip.

Diplomatic move regarding the future of Gaza

In addition to its humanitarian efforts, the UAE has participated in diplomatic initiatives concerning the future of the Gaza Strip. Abu Dhabi has consistently affirmed its support for the establishment of an independent Palestinian state based on the two-state solution. Furthermore, it emphasizes the urgent need to end the war and provide humanitarian aid to the population. The UAE has also collaborated with other Arab states in initiatives and consultations regarding the future administration of the Gaza Strip and the reconstruction of war-torn areas.

Role in reconstruction

The reconstruction file stands out as one of the most important potential roles for the UAE in the coming phase. Gaza needs extensive rebuilding of its devastated infrastructure, including homes, hospitals, schools, water and sanitation networks, electricity grids, and roads. In this context, the UAE possesses extensive experience in financing and implementing infrastructure projects and providing humanitarian aid. Consequently, it has become a key player in discussions concerning the next phase for the Gaza Strip. However, full reconstruction remains contingent upon the political and security arrangements for Gaza’s future.

Aid and supplies across Egypt

A significant portion of the UAE’s relief efforts in Gaza were channeled through Egypt, with Emirati aid arriving in Egypt before being transported into the Gaza Strip via the Rafah crossing. Emirati institutions collaborated with Egyptian and international partners in the transfer of aid, which included food, medicine, and medical supplies. During the war, Egypt became a key hub for receiving international aid destined for the residents of the Gaza Strip.

What is the UAE doing in Gaza?

The declared Emirati role can be divided into several main tracks:

1. Humanitarian relief:
   Sending food, medical and relief supplies.
2. Healthcare:
   Operating a field hospital and transferring cases for treatment outside the sector.
3. Patient evacuation:
   Receiving Palestinian patients, injured people, and their companions for treatment.
4. Supporting displaced people:
   Providing basic needs and assistance to civilians who have lost their homes.
5. Reconstruction:
   Participation in projects related to the rehabilitation of infrastructure and housing.
6. Post-war arrangements:
   Participation in international and Arab consultations regarding the future management and reconstruction of the sector.

The UAE and the East Rafah Project

The “Green Rafah” project is one of the latest projects to be linked to the UAE in the Gaza Strip. According to Israeli reports, the project aims to establish a temporary residential area for Palestinians in eastern Rafah, with infrastructure work to be carried out before the housing units are built. However, Israeli reports, citing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office, described the Emirati project as a pilot. Furthermore, it was noted that referring to some of its details as a complete “reconstruction” does not accurately reflect the project’s current phase. All details regarding funding, management, the number of housing units, and beneficiaries have not yet been finalized.

Gaza after the war

The UAE’s role comes at a time when attention is turning to the day after the war in Gaza, particularly regarding the following issues:

• Reconstruction of homes and infrastructure.
• Reopening hospitals and schools.
• Providing basic services.
• International Aid Management.
• Organizing temporary residential areas.
• Security and civil administration arrangements.

These files are still subject to negotiations and consultations between regional and international parties.

The UAE: A presence that goes beyond aid

As the war continues and humanitarian needs in the Gaza Strip increase, the UAE’s role has shifted from providing emergency aid to involvement in projects related to health, housing, reconstruction, and future arrangements. The East Rafah project remains the latest project to which the UAE has become associated. Currently, everyone is waiting for the final details to be clarified, including who will finance, implement, and manage it.