UAE expands Ramadan relief programmes in Gaza

The Emirates Red Crescent (ERC) has announced the expansion of its relief programme to support the people of Gaza during Ramadan.

As part of the UAE's 'Gallant Knight 3' humanitarian operation, the aid organisation is sending a convoy of 16 trucks carrying 336 tonnes of food aid.

The ERC has allocated AED 3 million to purchase rice, wheat, sugar, beans and other essentials from Egypt. These supplies will help operate 28 public kitchens and 10 bakeries in Gaza.

The aid convoy, which started its journey from Cairo to Al Arish, is getting ready to enter Gaza.

Rashid Mubarak Al Mansouri, Secretary-General of ERC, said that the UAE promptly provided relief and food assistance to the people of Gaza when the war began.

He added that ERC teams are currently working on loading aid and food parcels onto a third cargo ship, which was recently ordered to be dispatched by His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler's Representative in Al Dhafra Region and Chairman of ERC.

The ship carries 4,500 tonnes of food stuff, 3,000 tents and Eid clothing.

In December 2023, the ERC dispatched the first aid ship to the city of Al Arish as part of Operation Gallant Knight 3, carrying 4,016 tonnes of various relief materials.

A second ship that was dispatched in February of this year, was loaded with 4,303 tonnes of food, 154 tonnes of shelter materials and 87 tonnes of medical aid.