UAE humanitarian efforts in the Gaza Strip

In a demonstration of the United Arab Emirates’ global humanitarian commitment, the UAE has delivered over 40,000 tonnes of urgent supplies to the Gaza Strip through a multifaceted operation involving 8 aid ships, 1,271 trucks, and 414 flights, including 104 air-drops.

Working in collaboration with the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), Cyprus, the United Nations, and international donors, the UAE successfully delivered 2,176 tonnes of food supplies to Gaza via maritime routes, partnering with American Near East Refugee Aid (ANERA).

This partnership also enabled the delivery of 400 tonnes of food relief to northern Gaza, directly benefiting 120,000 residents.

In a historic first, the UAE and World Central Kitchen delivered 300 tonnes of food aid via the Maritime Corridor to northern Gaza, marking a significant achievement in humanitarian efforts in the region.

Additionally, the UAE has pledged $15 million to the Amalthea Fund, launched by Cyprus, to bolster the Maritime Corridor initiative, ensuring a continuous flow of humanitarian aid to Gaza.

The UAE's commitment extends beyond food aid. On July 28, the fourth aid ship arrived at Al-Arish port carrying 5,340 tonnes of supplies, the largest single shipment since the UAE's relief operations began.

Furthermore, the UAE has established six desalination plants in Gaza, providing 1.2 million gallons of clean water daily, benefiting over 600,000 people.

To address food insecurity, the UAE has also deployed five automatic bakeries and is supplying flour to eight existing bakeries in Gaza, collectively meeting the daily needs of more than 72,000 people.

In the health sector, the UAE has undertaken significant initiatives.

Two hospitals have been established under the directives of the UAE President, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. A 200-bed field hospital in southern Gaza, staffed by over 100 Emirati medical professionals, has treated nearly 23,000 cases since its inauguration in December 2023.

Additionally, a 100-bed floating hospital anchored at Al-Arish Port began operations in February 2024, serving over 4,200 patients.

The UAE has also facilitated the evacuation of 794 patients from Gaza for medical treatment in the UAE, accompanied by 850 family members. This initiative, executed in partnership with the World Health Organization (WHO), underscores the UAE's dedication to providing critical healthcare to Palestinians, particularly cancer patients and severely injured individuals.

In December 2023, the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) adopted resolution 2720, drafted by the UAE, which calls for increased humanitarian aid to Gaza and the protection of UN and humanitarian workers. The UAE has allocated $5 million to support the newly appointed UN Senior Humanitarian and Reconstruction Coordinator for Gaza.

In response to the dire circumstances in Gaza, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan has allocated $20 million to support the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), and an additional $10 million through the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives to support the health sector in cooperation with WHO. Moreover, $11.7 million has been allocated to provide food relief in coordination with the World Food Program (WFP).

The UAE’s "Tarahum for Gaza" campaign further demonstrates its wide-reaching efforts, with over 71,000 relief packages prepared by 24,000 volunteers from 20 charitable institutions, ensuring continued support for those most in need.

This extensive humanitarian initiative highlights the UAE's unwavering commitment to aiding the people of Gaza, addressing their most urgent needs, and providing a lifeline in the face of one of the most challenging humanitarian crises in recent history.

The operation reflects the UAE's response to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, and underscores its commitment to supporting vulnerable populations amid ongoing conflict.