Gazans Depart Abu Dhabi's Emirates Humanitarian City for Home After Treatment

Dozens of Gazans who received medical treatment at Emirates Humanitarian City in Abu Dhabi are preparing to return to their home country. The humanitarian center, which has sheltered thousands of Palestinians since 2023, has provided a refuge from the Israel-Gaza conflict, but many long for reunion with their families.

Among those returning is 59-year-old Ibtisam Salout, who is set to depart for Gaza in the coming days after three years in the UAE. A mother of nine with 45 grandchildren, Ms. Salout expressed her eagerness to embrace her loved ones, stating, “The first thing I’ll do is gather them all and hold them tight. Yes, all of them.” She meticulously packed her suitcases with gifts for her daughters and grandchildren, including specific sneaker brands requested by the boys.

Ms. Salout, originally from Deir Al Balah, arrived in the UAE in 2023 for treatment after her breast cancer therapy was interrupted following October 7. The UAE has provided comprehensive medical care to 1,000 cancer patients and 1,000 injured children from the Gaza Strip. “When I arrived, they began treatment immediately and discovered the cancer was also in my lymph nodes. They saved my life,” Ms. Salout shared. Despite arriving without an escort, as her husband encouraged her to seek safety and care in the UAE, she is now cancer-free and ready to return to Gaza.

“I’ll kiss its ground before running to my family,