UAE Delivers 65th Aid Landing to Gaza – Relief Efforts Continue

Gaza Relief Efforts Continue as UAE Delivers 65th Air Drop and increased Land Aid – The United Arab Emirates is intensifying its humanitarian response to the ongoing crisis in the gaza Strip, completing its 65th airdrop of essential supplies as part of the “Birds of Goodness” operation. This ongoing initiative, conducted in collaboration with the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, aims to alleviate the suffering of Palestinian civilians.

To date, the UAE has delivered over 3,862 tons of aid via air drops. Simultaneously, the UAE has significantly increased the volume of aid delivered by land, sending 21 trucks carrying more than 500 tons of food supplies through border crossings yesterday. These crossings include the Rafah crossing, a key point of entry for humanitarian aid into Gaza, and the Kerem Shalom crossing, which has recently seen increased capacity for aid delivery following international pressure. The combined air and land efforts demonstrate a broadened commitment to supporting the Palestinian population.

The aid packages include critical food staples such as flour, rice, dates, and canned goods, addressing the severe food insecurity affecting an estimated 1.7 million Gazans – over 75% of the population – according to UN estimates.The UAES initiative follows pledges made at the Cairo Peace Summit in October 2023, were UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan committed $75 million in humanitarian aid for Gaza. The Emirates Red Crescent, a key implementing partner, is coordinating the distribution of aid in collaboration with UNRWA (United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East) and other local organizations to ensure it reaches those most in need. The UAE’s efforts are particularly focused on supporting vulnerable groups, including children, the elderly, and those with chronic illnesses.

The ongoing conflict, triggered by the October 7, 2023 attacks by Hamas on Israel, has resulted in widespread destruction and a humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza. The UAE’s sustained aid campaign underscores its long-standing commitment to the Palestinian people and its role as a leading humanitarian actor in the region. Future aid deliveries are planned, with the UAE exploring options for establishing a maritime corridor to facilitate the delivery of larger volumes of aid directly to Gaza’s port, currently under progress with international support.