UAE Delivers 10,000 Winter Aid Bags to Gaza Under Operation Gallant Knight 3

A significant shipment of 10,000 winter aid bags, containing a total of 70,000 items of clothing and heating supplies, has reached Al Arish, Egypt, destined for Gaza. This delivery is part of the Winter Clothing initiative, operating under the umbrella of Operation Gallant Knight 3, and was made possible by the Sheikh Saeed bin Zayed Al Nahyan Endowment. The UAE-led humanitarian effort is designed to provide crucial support to Palestinians enduring the severe winter conditions across the Gaza Strip. The initiative aims to reach one million individuals, offering essential winter provisions to families and alleviating their suffering amidst an escalating humanitarian crisis.

The UAE humanitarian aid logistics centre in Al Arish serves as the operational base for this drive, overseeing the preparation and transportation of supplies into Gaza to ensure efficient and timely distribution to those in need. The aid bags themselves were assembled during a community event held at Mohamed bin Zayed University for Humanities, bringing together students and volunteers.

With temperatures expected to plummet in the coming months, the situation in Gaza is likely to worsen, compounding the severe challenges already present due to the prolonged conflict with Israel. Approximately two million people in the Gaza Strip have been displaced by the conflict, increasing their vulnerability to health risks during harsh weather. Gaza's health authorities report that over 74,000 Palestinians have been killed in Israel’s military campaign. While a US-backed ceasefire in October 2025 temporarily halted large-scale fighting, Israeli strikes have continued, and progress towards a lasting peace remains minimal. The initial Hamas-led attacks on October 7, 2023, resulted in 1,200 deaths in Israel, with about 250 people taken hostage, according to Israeli figures.

This aid delivery follows previous efforts, including a new air bridge launched by Dubai Humanitarian in October to deliver winter relief to Gaza. The first flight, carrying essential supplies like thermal blankets for Unicef, arrived in Al Arish before onward transfer to Gaza. This initiative operates under the directives of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai. Flights are being operated by the Dubai Royal Air Wing using C-130 aircraft, with at least three more flights scheduled to deliver blankets for children and other vulnerable groups as families prepare for the winter season.

Operation Gallant Knight 3 has been the central framework for the UAE's extensive relief operations in the territory, having provided over $4 billion in aid since 2023, representing 46 percent of all global support directed to the enclave. This assistance includes 130,708 tonnes of relief, medical, and food supplies delivered via 796 aircraft, 25 ships, and 14,483 lorries.