UAE Ramps Up Humanitarian Aid to Gaza Amid Escalating Crisis

The UAE intensifies relief efforts in Gaza as humanitarian conditions reach unprecedented levels, emphasizing urgent ceasefire and sustained support.
Mohamed Hassan
Journalist Mohammed Al Hammadi

As the humanitarian crisis in Gaza worsens, the United Arab Emirates has reiterated its unwavering commitment to supporting civilians affected by the ongoing war. Emirati voices are calling for an urgent extension of the ceasefire and the immediate delivery of essential aid.

Continued Calls for Ceasefire and Humanitarian Support

Emirati commentator Mohamed Al Hammadi stressed the importance of maintaining the humanitarian truce and bringing an end to the ongoing tragedy in Gaza. He emphasized that the UAE has been actively delivering humanitarian assistance since the start of the conflict.

Speaking during a televised appearance, Al Hammadi said, “The primary objective now is to extend the ceasefire and work diligently toward ending the war. The cries of hungry children and women in Gaza are deafening—there’s no justification for delay in delivering aid to civilians.”

He added, “Israel has employed every means of warfare, tragically targeting civilians. What we’re witnessing now is a systematic starvation campaign that’s cost the lives of children amid severe shortages of food, medicine, and a collapsed healthcare system.”

Al Hammadi emphasized the international community's responsibility, noting that while the UAE, Egypt, and Jordan have made significant efforts, these alone are not enough. He urged for decisive political action and sincere international will to halt the humanitarian catastrophe.

UAE's Expansive Aid Operations

Regarding Arab support, Al Hammadi highlighted that Arab nations are doing their part despite logistical challenges. He noted the UAE's ongoing efforts since day one of the conflict, which include establishing a field hospital, deploying a floating hospital, and launching over 200 aid flights.

He also warned of global apathy toward Gaza’s suffering, calling on the United Nations to play a more effective role. Al Hammadi added, “The U.S. is no longer a neutral party—it has placed its full weight behind Israel, making it directly responsible for what’s happening.”

Doubts Over Ceasefire Durability

Expressing skepticism about the truce’s longevity, Al Hammadi stated, “There are no guarantees the ceasefire will hold. Israel, especially under Netanyahu's leadership, can close the border crossings at any moment.”

He criticized Israel’s disregard for humanitarian considerations, saying it treats all civilians indiscriminately in blatant violation of international norms. While holding both Hamas and Israel accountable, he pointed out Hamas’s strategic missteps and Israel’s excessive force.

According to him, “What’s happening appears to be an effort to deflect global outrage before resuming military operations. Israel claims peace while its actions on the ground speak otherwise. No credible nation should ally itself with a state committing clear violations against civilians.”

International Recognition of Palestine

Al Hammadi reaffirmed the inevitability of a Palestinian state, referencing growing international support, including France’s intention to recognize it. He urged nations to make sovereign decisions without fearing U.S. disapproval, emphasizing that recognizing Palestine is a moral obligation above all else.

He concluded, “The Palestinian cause is not just about humanitarian aid—it’s about a people’s right to land, statehood, and a future.”

Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed: Gaza in Unprecedented Humanitarian Crisis

On Saturday, Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE Minister of Foreign Affairs, stated that humanitarian conditions in Gaza have reached a critical and unprecedented level.

In a post on X (formerly Twitter), he wrote, “The humanitarian situation in Gaza is dire. The UAE remains at the forefront of international efforts to deliver life-saving aid to the Palestinian people.”

He added, “We will continue to deliver urgent relief by land, air, and sea. Our commitment to alleviating suffering is steadfast and unwavering.” He also confirmed that airdrop operations would resume immediately.

Al Fursan Al Shamm 3 and Operation "Birds of Goodness"

Under the “Al Fursan Al Shamm 3” operation, the UAE resumed its 54th “Birds of Goodness” humanitarian airdrop over Gaza, in partnership with Jordan. This initiative targets civilians in isolated areas unreachable by land.

Since the operation began, 193 aircraft have dropped approximately 3,725 tons of essential supplies, including food and life-saving materials, to families severely impacted by the crisis.

The UAE has taken a leading role in emergency aid to Gaza, with Emirati assistance accounting for over 44% of all international aid delivered to the region.

The UAE reaffirmed that supporting the Palestinian people remains a humanitarian priority and pledged continued collaboration with regional and international partners to ensure aid reaches the most vulnerable—by land, sea, and air.

Efforts to Provide Safe Drinking Water

A convoy of 25 UAE aid trucks recently entered Gaza via the Rafah crossing, carrying large water pipelines. The UAE aims to construct a new water line in southern Gaza capable of serving around 600,000 people.

The planned 7-kilometer pipeline will connect the desalination plant in Rafah, Egypt, to a displacement zone between Khan Younis and Rafah, addressing the critical need for clean drinking water.

Israel Announces Temporary Tactical Pause

On Sunday, the Israeli military announced a daily tactical pause in operations across select areas of Gaza, including Al-Mawasi, Deir al-Balah, and Gaza City. This suspension, effective until further notice, is intended to facilitate the safe movement of UN and NGO convoys delivering food and medicine.

The decision comes in response to growing international pressure amid worsening hunger in Gaza, which remains under siege after more than 21 months of conflict.