Ahmed bin Zayed Foundation Pledges Dh3 Million to Aid Gazan Amputees Under UAE Relief Initiative

A UAE-based philanthropic organisation has committed Dh3 million to reinforce the nation’s mission to deliver critical assistance to Palestinian amputees in Gaza. The Ahmed bin Zayed Foundation revealed on Wednesday that the funds will bolster the UAE’s Step of Hope programme, launched in June to broaden aid for civilians who suffered limb loss during the Gaza conflict.

The Step of Hope initiative operates under the umbrella of Operation Gallant Knight 3, which was initiated by the UAE following the outbreak of the war in October 2023. Mohammed Al Shareef, spokesman for Operation Gallant Knight 3, stated that the Dh3 million contribution will be instrumental in easing the hardships faced by Palestinians.

Highlighting the impact of the wider campaign, Mr Al Shareef noted that the UAE has provided over $4 billion in aid to Gaza, accounting for 56 per cent of total global assistance, alongside dispatching more than 130,000 tonnes of supplies to the strip. Furthermore, over 176,000 Palestinians have obtained medical care through the field hospital in Gaza and the floating hospital in Al Arish.

Since the inception of the Gallant Knight campaign, the UAE has maintained a leading role in humanitarian relief, surpassing 1,000 days of continuous support in August with over Dh14.2 billion ($3.89 billion) in aid delivered. This funding has facilitated the establishment of the floating hospital in Egypt and two medical facilities in Gaza, while enabling thousands of patients, including those with cancer or war injuries, to travel to the Emirates for treatment. To date, the Step of Hope programme has successfully provided prosthetic limbs to 72 Palestinian amputees.

“Safeguarding human life is part of the UAE’s identity and path,” remarked Sheikh Zayed bin Saif during an Abu Dhabi ceremony announcing the contribution, adding that the nation views human dignity as a fundamental responsibility and will consistently support those in need.

The UAE's dedication to Gaza was further emphasized on Saturday as Dubai welcomed the Emirates Loves Palestine community event, drawing more than 50,000 attendees from the Palestinian, Emirati, and wider resident communities.