Dubai has sent a Boeing 747 carrying 68.4 tonnes of vital relief supplies to Gaza via Al Arish, Egypt, in response to the ongoing humanitarian crisis in the region, Dubai Humanitarian announced on Thursday. The shipment, facilitated under the directives of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, aims to provide life-saving assistance to more than 600,000 Palestinians.
The relief supplies, valued at $1 million and provided by the World Health Organisation (WHO) with support from USAID’s Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance (BHA), include materials for malnutrition treatment, trauma care, surgery, and primary healthcare. The shipment also contains tents to expand hospital capacities amidst severe resource shortages.
“The continuation of this airbridge, operational since the onset of the crisis, reflects the compassion and solidarity that guide us under the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum,” said Mohammed Ibrahim Al Shaibani, Chairman of Dubai Humanitarian. “Our priority is to ensure that life-saving aid reaches the most vulnerable swiftly, offering help and hope in the face of unimaginable hardship.”
Dr. Richard Peeperkorn, WHO’s Representative for the occupied Palestinian territories, highlighted the critical role of international collaboration in addressing Gaza’s dire health challenges. “WHO is grateful for the generous support from the Government of the UAE and USAID’s Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance,” Peeperkorn said. “The UAE-donated flight exemplifies the power of collaboration in delivering timely aid during extremely challenging circumstances.”
The aid comes at a crucial time as Gaza faces a growing humanitarian emergency marked by severe medical shortages and overwhelmed health services. The supplies are expected to alleviate urgent health needs and provide much-needed support to healthcare systems struggling to meet the escalating demand.
Dubai’s efforts are part of a broader international response to the crisis, emphasizing the need for coordinated humanitarian action to address the challenges faced by Palestinians in Gaza. The UAE’s swift and ongoing contributions underline its commitment to aiding vulnerable populations in the region and fostering global solidarity during times of crisis.
The airbridge, established at the start of the emergency, continues to deliver critical support to Gaza, underscoring the UAE’s role as a key player in international humanitarian assistance.
