UAE tops global humanitarian aid to Gaza with $828m contribution

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has emerged as the leading donor to Gaza during the ongoing humanitarian crisis triggered by the conflict between Israel and Hamas, contributing 42% of the total aid delivered since the war began in October 2023.

According to the German Press Agency (dpa), the UAE’s aid efforts amount to a staggering $828 million, cementing its role as a key supporter in alleviating the plight of Gazans.

From the outset of the crisis, the UAE took swift action, with President Sheikh Mohamed launching the Gallant Knight operation to channel aid via land, air, and sea. “The UAE’s efforts demonstrate that global solidarity is not just about words, but action,” said Reem Al Hashimy, Minister of State for International Cooperation. She added, “We remain steadfast in our commitment to alleviate the immense suffering of Palestinians and stand by them in these difficult times.”

In the latest initiative, the UAE sent a fleet of ambulances to Gaza, following earlier deliveries that included four major convoys crossing through the Rafah border. These convoys, comprising 41 trucks, transported 514 tonnes of food, medical supplies, clothing, shelter materials, and hygiene packages tailored for women and children, according to the state news agency WAM.

Healthcare interventions have been a cornerstone of the UAE’s response. “The medical evacuations carried out by the UAE have been critical in saving lives,” said Dr. Richard Peeperkorn, the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) representative in the Palestinian Territory. “Their unwavering support in bolstering Gaza’s fragile health services has made a tangible difference for thousands of patients.” Since December, the UAE Field Hospital in Gaza has treated over 50,000 patients, while a floating hospital at Al Arish Port in Egypt has cared for 7,554 individuals.

The UAE’s healthcare programs also include the establishment of a prosthetics center for Palestinians injured in the war. One patient, Youssef Al-Qassem, who received a prosthetic limb, said, “This has given me a second chance at life. I am grateful to the UAE for not only treating my injuries but also restoring my dignity.”

Efforts to combat food insecurity have been similarly monumental. Stephen Anderson, World Food Programme representative to the Gulf Cooperation Council, described the UAE’s commitment as “an inspiring example for the world.” He emphasized, “As food insecurity in Gaza reaches inhumane levels, the UAE’s ability to mobilize resources and provide direct assistance has been crucial in preventing a complete humanitarian collapse.”

The “Birds of Goodness” operation, a key component of the UAE’s response, carried out 53 airdrops of food and relief items to areas otherwise unreachable. In addition, the UAE established a maritime corridor from Cyprus to Gaza, delivering over 7,600 tonnes of vital supplies. “We cannot overstate the significance of these efforts,” said Ahmed Saeed, a resident of Gaza. “This aid is a lifeline for families like mine.”

Children’s welfare has also been prioritized, with UNICEF lauding the UAE’s $5 million pledge to administer polio vaccines to 557,000 children in Gaza. “This intervention is not just life-saving but life-changing,” said Eltayeb Adam, UNICEF’s Gulf representative. “In a region where access to healthcare is severely compromised, the UAE’s commitment is a beacon of hope.”

Long-term recovery projects are equally impactful. The UAE’s network of desalination plants has delivered over 130 million gallons of clean water to Gaza since the war began. “Water scarcity was a daily struggle for us,” said Gaza resident Rana Salim. “Thanks to the UAE, my children no longer have to wake up thirsty.”

The UAE has also offered refuge to wounded Gazans at a dedicated treatment facility in Abu Dhabi’s Emirates Humanitarian City. Ali Al-Najjar, one of the injured treated there, shared, “The kindness and care I’ve received here have reminded me that humanity can prevail even in the darkest times.”

“These efforts are part of the UAE’s ongoing commitment to stand with the Palestinian people,” said Reem Al Hashimy. “Our actions today reflect the enduring values of compassion and solidarity that the UAE holds dear.”

The UAE’s expansive and sustained humanitarian efforts continue to set a global benchmark for responding to crises and offering hope to those in desperate need.