UAE sends 1.6 million winter items to support Gaza

Clothing and blankets to be delivered to the Gaza Strip through the Rafah border crossing under aid campaign

The Emirates Red Crescent sent an aid convoy with 1.6 million items of winter clothing and blankets bound for the Gaza Strip. Wam

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The UAE has sent more than 1.6 million pieces of warm clothing and blankets bound for the Gaza Strip to help alleviate the suffering of embattled Palestinians grappling with the continued conflict and harsh winter conditions.

The aid convoy was overseen by the Emirates Red Crescent, the humanitarian arm of the UAE government, as part of its 'Be their Warmth' campaign, state news agency Wam reported.

The crucial supplies – which are to be distributed in phases – will support those struggling without shelter as temperatures plunge and the Israel-Gaza war rages on.

Gaza is bearing the brunt of a humanitarian disaster, with more than 21,100 people killed since the war broke out on October 7, according to the Health Ministry.

The vast majority of the besieged enclave's 2.2-million population is believed to have been displaced, highlighting the urgent need for humanitarian aid.

Mohammed Omar Al Shimmar, head of the ERC delegation in Gaza, said the UAE was working with Egypt to secure the delivery of the aid packages through the Rafah border crossing.

The ERC has launched a public donation drive to collect more critical winter goods as part of the initiative.

People can pledge donations of Dh10 to Dh300 to fund the purchase of necessities such as winter clothing, heating devices, food baskets, and health packages.

Contributions can be made on the Emirates Red Crescent website and through donation boxes which will be available in public venues such as shopping centres and markets.

UAE delivers crucial support

Volunteers preparing aid packages as part of the Compassion for Gaza campaign at the Festival City Arena in Dubai. All photos: Pawan Singh / The National

Volunteer Wissam Ghaib with his wife Hana and daughter Iman at the Gaza aid event in Dubai

Shamsheer Chokli was one of thousands of volunteers delivering a vital helping hand across the UAE this weekend

Volunteers prepare relief packages at the Festival City Arena in Dubai

Mageed Yahia, World Food Programme official, at the latest aid event in Dubai

Volunteers preparing UAE Aid boxes for Gaza Aid Campaign at the Festival City Arena in Dubai

Abdulla Ahmed Alshehhi, chief operating officer of Dubai Cares, which is overseeing the relief effort in the emirate

The UAE has made repeated calls for a permanent ceasefire to be secured to safeguard civilians.

The Emirates established a field hospital in Gaza, which opened earlier this month.

President Sheikh Mohamed previously directed treatment for 1,000 injured Palestinian children and 1,000 cancer patients at hospitals in the UAE as part of the relief campaign.

The UAE has sent dozens of aid flights carrying thousands of tonnes of essential supplies to support Gaza.