UAE launches largest phase of relief operation in Gaza to aid displaced people

More than 309.5 tonnes of humanitarian aid was carried by 25 lorries into the Gaza strip this week

The UAE sent 25 trucks carrying more than 309.5 tonnes of humanitarian aid into Gaza as part of Operation Chivalrous Knight 3. Photo: Wam

The UAE’s largest relief initiative for Gaza is entering its biggest phase, targeting 9,500 displaced people living in shelters and temporary tents.

Part of Operation Chivalrous Knight 3, the campaign will focus on people near Al Aqsa University in Khan Younis, southern Gaza, Emirates news agency Wam said on Saturday.

The latest phase will include vital repairs to water lines and sewerage networks, as well as supporting bakeries and soup kitchens to ensure they have sufficient food.

Reem Al Hashimy, Minister of State for International Co-operation, reaffirmed the UAE’s support for the Palestinian people ahead of a long-awaited ceasefire set to take place on Sunday.

“‘For 466 days we’ve waited for a ceasefire with abated breath” Ms Al Hashimy said. "And every day since the beginning of the war, we scoured land, sea and air to try and bring some relief - working constantly and relentlessly with partners to get as much relief in as possible."

“It’s been heartbreaking to watch their pain unfold in front of our eyes,” Ms Al Hashimy said. “The thousands of tons that we have shared don’t fully reflect the immense love and compassion we have for those struggling unimaginable loss. As we prepare to surge our support, we reaffirm that we have always, always, stood with the Palestinian people."

Two UAE aid envoys carried humanitarian items into the Gaza strip this week through the Rafah border crossing from Egypt. The convoys comprised 25 lorries carrying more than 309.5 tonnes of aid, including food, tent shelters and other essential items.

Gaza ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas explained

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This brings the total number of aid convoys that have entered the Gaza Strip under Operation Chivalrous Knight 3 to 155.

At least 46,899 Palestinians have been killed and 110,725 wounded since the Gaza war began in 2023, according to the enclave's Health Ministry. A ceasefire is scheduled to come into effect at 8.30am local time on Sunday.

Israel is agreeing to release 737 Palestinian detainees in the first phase of the ceasefire. In return, Hamas has agreed to release three female hostages on the first day, four on the seventh day, and another 26 over the subsequent five weeks. The first batch of hostages released will include children, the sick and elderly.