The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has emerged as the leading global contributor to humanitarian aid for Gaza amid the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas.
Between October 2023 and November 2024, the UAE provided an extraordinary $828 million (Dh3.04 billion) in aid, accounting for 42% of the total international support extended to Palestinians, according to the German Press Agency (dpa).
The data, sourced from the financial tracking service of the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), underscores the UAE’s swift and consistent response to the crisis.
Early and Sustained Relief Efforts
The UAE was among the first nations to respond to the unfolding humanitarian emergency in Gaza in late 2023.
Within days of the conflict’s escalation, the country launched a robust aid initiative to deliver medical supplies, food, and essential items via air, land, and sea routes.
This commitment has continued unabated over the past year. Just days ago, the UAE dispatched 20 trucks loaded with winter necessities, including jackets, blankets, gloves, and essential food supplies like flour, sugar, and cooking oil.
Medical aid was also part of the shipment, aimed at addressing the dire health conditions in Gaza.
Operation Chivalrous Knight 3
At the heart of the UAE’s efforts is Operation Chivalrous Knight 3, a comprehensive humanitarian campaign dedicated to alleviating the suffering of Gaza’s residents.
Hundreds of aid trucks have crossed into the war-torn region, delivering a wide range of relief items, including food parcels, baby formula, clothing, shelter tents, and water supplies.
Specialized equipment such as ambulances, water tanks, and sewage systems has also been deployed to address critical infrastructure needs.
The operation reflects the UAE’s commitment to providing both immediate and long-term support, with particular attention to the needs of women and children.
Parcels designed specifically for these vulnerable groups have included essentials like baby formula and hygiene products.
A Nationwide Effort
The UAE’s humanitarian response extends beyond government initiatives. Emirati citizens, expatriates, and community volunteers have actively supported the relief efforts.
From raising funds to packing aid parcels, individuals across the nation have come together to contribute to the cause. The UAE’s leadership, including its royal family, has also played a prominent role in rallying support and ensuring the aid reaches those in need.
Global Recognition
The scale and speed of the UAE’s response have drawn international recognition, underscoring its pivotal role in addressing one of the world’s most pressing humanitarian crises.
With the war showing no signs of resolution, the UAE remains committed to sustaining its aid efforts, embodying a spirit of compassion and solidarity.
The UAE’s extraordinary contributions highlight its leadership in humanitarian aid and reflect its dedication to supporting vulnerable communities during times of crisis.
As winter grips the region, the continued flow of aid offers a lifeline to millions of Gazans enduring unimaginable hardships.