Thirty-nine patients from Gaza have arrived to receive vital health care in Tunisian hospitals, with another 150 set to join them.
A first group of 39 injured Palestinians in Israel’s war on Gaza has been flown to Tunisia for treatment with the enclave’s own hospitals overwhelmed. Tunisia has been keen to show its support to Palestinians throughout the war, with its government’s stance on Israel hardening even before hostilities broke out.
The group was accompanied by a military and a civilian medical crew, as well as representatives of the Tunisian Red Crescent.
“This is our duty and we will work to support you in every way possible,” Mr Saied told Palestinian patients on a visit to the country’s Military Hospital on Monday morning.
“This is the first batch [of Palestinian patients] that have arrived in Tunisia and another one will arrive within two days… Tunisia is always open for you and we will put all of our efforts and capabilities at your service.”
The injured, mostly suffering from severe burns and fractures, have been admitted for treatment throughout the Greater Tunis hospitals.
The Ministry of Health together with the Tunisian Red Crescent have also set up a field hospital in Ben Arous governorate south of the capital Tunis for more Palestinian patients the country is expected to receive on Tuesday.
It has been equipped with 120 beds, 30 of them for intensive care, as well as a specialized team of healthcare professionals, including surgeons who are ready to perform all necessary procedures, Ben Arous governor Ezzedine Chalbi told state news agency Tap on Sunday.
Israel launched a massive military campaign in the Gaza Strip, Palestine following a cross-border attack by resistance group Hamas on Oct. 7.
It has since killed over 20,000 people, including 6,150 children and 4,000 women, according to health authorities in the enclave. The official Israeli death toll stands at 1,000.
President Saied reaffirmed Tunisia’s position regarding the continuing war in the Gaza Strip and said Palestinians have the right to retrieve all of their historic land.
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