UAE Escalates Humanitarian Aid for Gaza in Ramadan Pursuant to Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed’s Directives
Abu Dhabi, The Gulf Observer: In accordance with the directives of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the International Humanitarian and Philanthropic Council has announced an escalation of humanitarian aid for the Palestinian people in Gaza during the holy month of Ramadan. Emirati humanitarian organizations will spearhead initiatives aimed at addressing essential needs, healthcare, and religious observance, reflecting the UAE’s enduring commitment to solidarity with the Palestinian people.
The UAE’s augmented Ramadan aid initiatives seek to alleviate the humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip, focusing on swift and coordinated relief, particularly for vulnerable groups such as women, children, and the elderly.
H.H. Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairman of the International Humanitarian and Philanthropic Council, emphasized that President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed’s directives underscore the commitment to improve the humanitarian situation in Gaza and alleviate the suffering of its people. The UAE’s long-standing fraternal ties with the Palestinian people and its dedication to sustained support through humanitarian initiatives were highlighted.
The “Galant Knight 3” initiative, launched on November 5, 2023, aimed at providing humanitarian assistance to Gaza. Led by the Joint Operations Command of the Ministry of Defence, in collaboration with organizations like the Emirates Red Crescent (ERC), Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Foundation, Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan Charitable and Humanitarian Foundation, and others, the initiative facilitated the delivery of aid via 212 aircraft and two cargo ships, with a third ship en route to the Egyptian city of Al Arish.
A total of 922 trucks transported aid, amounting to 21,000 tonnes of food, health aid, and shelter materials. Coordination with international organizations, including the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA), the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP), the World Health Organization (WHO), and the Office of the United Nations Coordinator for Humanitarian Affairs and Reconstruction in Gaza, facilitated the distribution of aid.
The “Tarahum – for Gaza” campaign saw the participation of over 24,000 volunteers, assembling 71,000 relief baskets from locally sourced materials. In late February, Operation “Birds of Goodness” delivered 293 tonnes of aid via Emirati and Egyptian aircraft, aiding the northern Gaza Strip. The Emirates Field Hospital in Gaza, accommodating 200 beds and staffed by over 100 medical professionals, played a crucial role in handling medical cases.
Moreover, the UAE Floating Hospital anchored at the port of Al Arish provided essential medical treatment and support. Water desalination plants and automated bakeries were established, ensuring the provision of potable water and addressing food requirements for the region’s population. These initiatives are part of the UAE’s unwavering commitment to extending crucial assistance to the Palestinian people during challenging times.
