Abu Dhabi Students Pack 10,000 Winter Kits for Gaza Relief

Students from Mohamed bin Zayed University for Humanities in Abu Dhabi have actively participated in a nationwide aid drive for Gaza, contributing to the packing of 10,000 winter relief kits for those in need. These aid packages contain 70,000 items, including clothing and heating supplies, designed to protect vulnerable communities from the anticipated harsh winter temperatures. This volunteer effort was organized by the Sheikh Saeed bin Zayed Al Nahyan Endowment, supporting the UAE's ongoing humanitarian mission to the Gaza Strip.

Hamoud Al Afari, director of UAE relief operations for the Operation Gallant Knight campaign, emphasized that the students' involvement reflects the values of solidarity and generosity being instilled in the younger generation. He also noted that the total humanitarian aid delivered to Gaza since October 2023 has surpassed 131,000 tonnes, valued at $4.16 billion.

The UAE's winter clothing initiative, launched in September, aims to provide warm clothing to one million individuals in Gaza, offering a crucial lifeline amidst a severe humanitarian crisis. The initiative seeks to mitigate the challenges posed by plunging temperatures, which are expected to worsen the existing difficulties caused by the prolonged conflict with Israel. The conflict has displaced nearly two million people in Gaza, increasing their exposure to health risks during the cold weather.

According to Gaza health authorities, over 74,000 Palestinians have been killed in the ongoing military campaign. While a US-backed ceasefire in October 2025 temporarily halted large-scale fighting, Israeli strikes have continued, and progress towards a permanent peace remains limited. The initial Hamas-led attacks on October 7, 2023, resulted in 1,200 deaths in Israel and the taking of approximately 250 hostages, as per Israeli figures.

Dubai Humanitarian has also established a new air bridge to deliver winter relief to Gaza. The first flight, carrying essential supplies like thermal blankets for Unicef, arrived in Al Arish, Egypt, for onward transfer to Gaza. This initiative operates under the directives of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, utilizing Dubai Royal Air Wing's C-130 aircraft, with each flight carrying about nine tonnes of supplies. Several more flights are scheduled to deliver aid, including blankets for children and other vulnerable groups.

Additionally, millions of meals are being dispatched to Gaza through the Ahmed bin Rashid Humanitarian Bridge initiative, named in honor of Sheikh Ahmed, brother of Sheikh Mohammed, who passed away on September 21. This initiative, recognizing his philanthropic contributions, brought together volunteers and community members at the Dubai World Trade Centre to prepare food aid packages for families and children in Gaza.