UAE Dispatches Largest Aid Ship to Gaza with 5,820 Tonnes of Relief Supplies

The United Arab Emirates has sent its largest humanitarian aid shipment to Gaza as part of Operation Gallant Knight 3, a relief initiative launched by UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. The vessel, named the Zayed Humanitarian Ship, departed from Hamriyah Port in Dubai on Friday, carrying 5,820 tonnes of essential supplies, including food, medical aid, clothing, and tents.

Humanitarian Efforts for Gaza

Since the onset of the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, the UAE has been at the forefront of relief efforts. Operation Gallant Knight 3, initiated on November 5, 2023, is coordinated by the Joint Operations Command at the Ministry of Defence, in collaboration with the Emirates Red Crescent and other humanitarian organisations. The initiative aims to provide essential aid to the Palestinian people through air, land, and sea deliveries.

The latest shipment marks the seventh UAE aid ship sent to Gaza. The vessel is en route to the Egyptian city of Al Arish, from where supplies will be transported to Gaza. This mission is part of a larger relief effort, with over 60,000 tonnes of aid expected to be delivered in the coming weeks.

Medical and Infrastructure Support

In addition to food and relief goods, the UAE has implemented key medical and infrastructure projects to support the people of Gaza. These include:

• A field hospital in Gaza with a 200-bed capacity, having treated over 50,489 patients.
• A floating hospital in Arish, Egypt, equipped for emergency care, with 100 beds, treating 9,661 cases to date.
• Water desalination stations in Rafah, Egypt, providing clean drinking water to affected communities.
• Birds of Goodness Initiative, facilitating aid deliveries to hard-to-reach areas in Gaza.

Aid Distribution Statistics

As part of Operation Gallant Knight 3, the UAE has delivered:

• Over 55,143 tonnes of humanitarian aid, including 3,412 truckloads transported from Egypt to Gaza.
• 570+ airlifts and six sea shipments to ensure continuous aid supply.
• 190 aircraft missions, delivering 3,700 tonnes of aid to inaccessible northern Gaza areas.
• 17 ambulances, 12 water tankers, and 9 bakeries to serve affected populations.

UAE’s Commitment to Humanitarian Support

Hamoud Abdullah Al Junaibi, Deputy Secretary General for Local Affairs at the Emirates Red Crescent, emphasized the UAE’s unwavering commitment to humanitarian aid. He highlighted that the Zayed Humanitarian Ship represents the largest shipment to date, reinforcing the country’s dedication to alleviating the suffering of Gaza’s residents.

Ali Mohammad Al Rashidi, Director of Human Resources at Sharjah Charity International, noted that the UAE has already delivered over 55,143 tonnes of aid, making Operation Gallant Knight 3 the longest-running relief mission in the country’s history.

With continued humanitarian shipments and strategic initiatives, the UAE remains steadfast in its efforts to provide critical assistance to the Palestinian people in Gaza.