Emirates Red Crescent Dispatches Dh50 Million in Vital Winter Aid to Gaza Amidst Cold Snap

The Emirates Red Crescent (ERC) is actively providing Dh50 million ($13.6 million) in essential winter and medical aid to Palestinians in Gaza as temperatures plummet across the Middle East. This significant relief effort encompasses a range of critical supplies, including clothing, blankets, food, tents, and vital medicines, specifically targeting the most vulnerable populations. The aid is prioritized for children, the elderly, and families experiencing severe hardship as winter conditions intensify throughout the Gaza Strip.

This crucial assistance is being delivered under the directives of President Sheikh Mohamed and through the co-ordination of Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed, Ruler’s Representative of Al Dhafra Region and Chairman of the ERC. It forms part of the UAE's ongoing commitment to support the people of Gaza and address the basic needs of affected families as winter approaches. The initiative is being carried out in co-ordination with Operation Gallant Knight 3, underscoring the UAE's long-standing humanitarian relief efforts for Palestinians.

The ERC stated that the aid is intended to help ensure dignified living conditions for recipients amidst the exceptional circumstances prevailing in the territory. The organization reiterated its unwavering commitment to the Palestinian people and its resolve to enhance relief operations in alignment with on-the-ground needs and humanitarian priorities.

In the past week, two UAE aid convoys, transporting 260 tonnes of food supplies, successfully entered Gaza. These convoys, comprising 10 lorries, were dispatched as part of Operation Gallant Knight 3. Their arrival brings the total number of lorries that have entered Gaza under this operation to 14,594, collectively delivering 138,290 tonnes of humanitarian aid since the mission's inception.

The latest Dh50 million aid package highlights the UAE's continued focus on addressing urgent needs, particularly as deteriorating weather conditions place additional strain on displaced families and already overstretched humanitarian infrastructure across the Gaza Strip. The UAE has consistently been among the leading nations in delivering aid to Gaza, with Operation Gallant Knight 3 serving as the nation's central framework for coordinating relief operations. Additionally, Dubai Humanitarian has initiated a new air bridge to transport winter relief supplies to Gaza. The inaugural flight, carrying essential humanitarian items including thermal blankets, was facilitated with the support of Unicef. This air bridge involves flights operated by the Dubai Royal Air Wing, utilizing C-130 aircraft, with each flight delivering approximately nine metric tonnes of humanitarian supplies. At least three more flights are scheduled in the coming days to deliver blankets for children and other vulnerable groups as families brace for the approaching winter.