Milestone 100th UAE aid lorry enters Gaza since January ceasefire began

Five convoys have carried 1,442 tonnes of essentials since January 19

Food supplies, relief packages, shelter tents and other essential items were sent in five convoys. Wam

Live updates: Follow the latest on Israel-Gaza

The UAE has sent 100 lorries carrying more than 1,440 tonnes of aid to Gaza since the Israel-Hamas ceasefire began on January 19.

Lorryloads comprising food supplies, relief packages, shelter tents and other essential items were sent in five convoys, state news agency Wam reported on Saturday.

A humanitarian aid team from the UAE based in Al Arish, Egypt, has been supervising the loading of the convoys before they enter the Rafah border crossing.

The presence of the humanitarian team ensures that aid enters the enclave, said Sultan Al Kaabi, the official in charge of humanitarian aid for the UAE's Gallant Knight 3 operation.

The total number of aid convoys entering Gaza under Gallant Knight 3 has reached 160, delivering about 31,026 tonnes of humanitarian assistance.

“The UAE reaffirms its ongoing commitment to supporting the Palestinian people, alleviating the effects of the current situation, and standing by the fraternal Palestinians in Gaza,” said a statement on Wam.

Last week, a UAE aid ship left for Gaza a day after the ceasefire came into effect.

Contributed by Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, Mother of the Nation, organisers said it is the largest aid shipment to be sent under Operation Gallant Knight 3. The ship was loaded at Al Hamriya Port with 5,800 tonnes of vital aid such as food supplies, medicines and several ambulances.

The cargo vessel, the sixth to depart under the campaign, is expected to reach Egypt's Al Arish in the first week of February. When it docks, the humanitarian supplies will be loaded on to lorries and driven across the border to Gaza.

Relief efforts are accelerating after the truce between Hamas and Israel came into effect last week, with Gaza in a state of widespread devastation.

Rashid Al Mansouri, secretary general of Emirates Red Crescent, told The National that humanitarian work would continue with more aid expected to be delivered into Gaza now the ceasefire was in effect. “We already reached inside Gaza when the [border was closed],” said Mr Al Mansouri. “Now that they are open, we expect to [send] more [aid].”