The United Arab Emirates (UAE) says it has delivered more than 136,000 tonnes of humanitarian assistance, valued at $4.16 billion, to the Gaza Strip in three years through its Operation Gallant Knight 3.
The operation, launched on November 5, 2023, on the directive of UAE President, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, began as an emergency relief initiative but has expanded into a comprehensive humanitarian programme addressing food shortages, medical needs, shelter and psychological support for Palestinians affected by the conflict.
According to figures released to mark the third anniversary, the UAE’s contribution represents approximately 46 per cent of all international humanitarian assistance delivered to Gaza, underscoring its position as a major contributor to relief efforts in the territory.
The humanitarian operation has mobilised 792 aircraft, 26 ships and 14,711 trucks to transport relief materials into Gaza through land, air and sea routes.
It has also carried out 81 airdrop missions under its Birds of Goodness initiative to reach communities facing difficulties accessing assistance through conventional routes.
In the healthcare sector, more than 294,000 medical cases have received treatment through facilities and services established under the initiative. These include equipped health centres, field hospitals and medical convoys transporting essential medicines and medical supplies, with support from the World Health Organisation.
The UAE has also expanded its food assistance programme through 40 community kitchens producing approximately eight million meals annually. In addition, it supports about 27 bakeries with a combined capacity to produce up to 1.5 million bread bundles annually.
As part of its seasonal humanitarian interventions, the operation is implementing a Winter Clothing campaign targeting one million beneficiaries with clothing, blankets and heating supplies to help vulnerable Palestinians cope with harsh winter conditions.
Relief materials for the operation are coordinated through the UAE’s humanitarian logistics centre in Al Arish, Egypt, where supplies are received, sorted and dispatched to Gaza.
The third anniversary of Operation Gallant Knight 3 highlights the scale of the UAE’s humanitarian involvement in Gaza.
However, the continuing need for food, healthcare, shelter and other essential services also underscores the enormous challenges facing humanitarian agencies in providing sustained assistance to the Palestinian population.
