The United Arab Emirates (UAE) Ministry of Foreign Affairs made a significant announcement on Sunday, revealing that 400 tons of food had arrived at the port of Ashdod to aid the people of Gaza. This humanitarian effort was made possible through a collaboration with the American Near East Refugee Aid (Anera) to address the urgent crisis facing Gaza’s population.
In a statement released by the UAE Foreign Ministry, it was disclosed that the food supplies had been transported to the Ashdod port via Larnaca, Cyprus, with the intention of providing essential aid to the locals in Gaza. UAE Minister of State for International Cooperation, Reem Al Hashimy, emphasized the nation’s commitment to working with global partners to alleviate the dire humanitarian circumstances in Gaza.
“There is an urgent need – now more than ever – to deliver life-saving humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip. Through various means of transportation, the United Arab Emirates is steadfast in exploring every avenue to supply immediate humanitarian aid and sustenance to Gaza,” Al Hashimy stated.
Sean Carroll, CEO and Chairman of Anera, expressed gratitude for the collaboration with the UAE government in providing crucial aid to Palestinians in Gaza. Carroll highlighted the importance of this endeavor, aiming for it to be the first of many deliveries totaling thousands of tons of aid. He also stressed the critical need for access to northern regions of Gaza, where many are at risk of severe starvation. Additionally, Carroll commended Anera’s significant contributions, noting the distribution of over 24 million meals to Gaza since mid-October. He emphasized the potential impact of this partnership in benefiting millions during this precarious period.
The UAE reaffirmed its dedication to supporting all humanitarian initiatives in cooperation with the global community to address the crisis in Gaza. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed gratitude for the assistance provided by the Government of Cyprus and the Amalthea Initiative in facilitating the delivery of aid.
According to the statement, the United Arab Emirates has already dispatched more than 31,000 tons of emergency provisions, including food, aid, and medical supplies, through 250 flights, 38 airdrops, 1,160 trucks, and three ships. This ongoing effort underscores the UAE’s commitment to providing vital support to those in need in Gaza and demonstrates the nation’s willingness to collaborate with international partners to address humanitarian crises.
Overall, the UAE’s recent delivery of 400 tons of food to Gaza is a testament to the nation’s commitment to alleviating the suffering of the Palestinian people and working towards a more stable and prosperous future for the region.