Sheikh Abdullah and Israel's Gideon Saar discuss need for aid to enter Gaza

UAE charity to deliver fresh bread as part of broader emergency aid project

A project announced by Sharjah Charity International is the latest step in the UAE's continuing support for the people of Gaza. Photo: Wam

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Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Gideon Saar, Israeli Foreign Affairs Minister, have spoken about enabling the “urgent, sustainable, safe and unhindered” entry of aid into Gaza.

In a phone call reported by Wam, the pair are said to have found agreement to “allow the delivery of urgent humanitarian aid from the UAE. The aid will address the food needs of approximately 15,000 civilians in Gaza in the initial phase.”

Wam also reported that Sheikh Abdullah and Mr Saar discussed international mediation efforts to broker a truce and secure the release of the remaining hostages in Gaza.

Emergency response

A charity organisation in Sharjah has launched a scheme to deliver fresh bread to Gaza.

The project will run as part of an initiative under the UAE’s broader Gallant Knight 3 campaign launched by President Sheikh Mohamed to support Gaza’s civilians.

A Dh750,000 monthly budget has been allocated to the project being helmed by Sharjah Charity International, as part of an emergency response to the worsening humanitarian situation in the enclave.

“This project is designed to help some of the most vulnerable groups especially children, the elderly, and displaced families who are living in extremely difficult conditions due to the ongoing crisis,” said Abdullah Sultan bin Khadim, executive director of Sharjah Charity International.

“Operating the bakeries will provide people with bread, a daily essential, and builds on our earlier efforts, including digging 12 wells and running community kitchens to supply food to those affected.

“The bakery project alone is expected to supply bread to 20,000 people every day, making it one of the largest food aid initiatives currently serving the Gaza Strip, where there is a severe shortage of supplies and limited bakery capacity.”

He said the project would ensure aid reaches those most in need while maintaining their dignity and addressing their essential needs. He urged the public in the UAE to support the bakery programme by donating.

How to help

“We have made the donation process easy and secure. People can contribute via Apple Pay, Samsung Pay, SMS, or through our official website, he said. “Cash donations are also accepted at the charity’s offices, mosques, and retail locations.

“Every contribution, no matter how small, can change the life of a family that has lost everything. A quick response from donors allows us to expand the reach of support to as many people as possible in the coming days.

“We see it as our responsibility to continue supporting the people of Gaza, and we remain committed to sustainable humanitarian work that upholds human dignity and helps communities stay resilient in the face of hardship.”

The charity recently launched a fundraising campaign to collect Dh2.6 million for life-sustaining projects in Gaza. Of this, Dh1.2 million will go toward digging 12 new wells for clean water which is expected to benefit more than 312,000 people while Dh1.4 million will help fund the kitchens. The projects together aim to serve more than 45,000 people daily.