The Emirates Red Crescent (ERC) has announced the expansion of its relief programme to support the Palestinian people in Gaza during Ramadan. The aim is to reduce their suffering and improve humanitarian efforts during this holy month.

The organisation has begun sending a convoy with essential supplies for the Iftar project to aid the people of Gaza. This initiative is part of the Gallant Knight 3 humanitarian operation. The ERC has allocated AED 3 million to purchase supplies like rice, wheat, sugar, beans, and other essentials from Egypt. These supplies will help operate 28 public kitchens and 10 bakeries in Gaza. The convoy, consisting of 16 trucks carrying 336 tonnes of food aid, has started its journey from Cairo to Al Arish, getting ready to enter Gaza.

On this occasion, Rashid Mubarak Al Mansouri, Secretary-General of ERC, said, "The dispatch of the aid convoy comes within the framework of the keenness of the UAE's wise leadership to stand with the Palestinians in Gaza during the ordeal they are going through, and to alleviate their suffering by meeting their basic needs."

He mentioned that the UAE has promptly offered relief and food assistance to the people in Gaza since the crisis began. This aligns with their dedication to easing the hardships faced by the Palestinian population and demonstrates the UAE's values of generosity and unity in supporting their brothers during crises.

In this regard, ERC strives to consistently provide food and medical aid to the Gaza residents. This effort commenced with the initiation of Operation Gallant Knight 3 on 5th November last year, aiming to fulfill the diverse needs of those impacted by the events in Gaza.

ERC teams are currently working on loading aid and food parcels onto the third cargo ship, which was ordered to be dispatched by H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler's Representative in Al Dhafra Region and Chairman of ERC. The ship carries 4,500 tonnes of food stuff, 3,000 tents, and Eid clothing.

In December of last year, ERC dispatched the first aid ship to the city of Al Arish as part of Operation Gallant Knight 3. It carried 4,016 tonnes of various relief materials, followed by the second ship that was dispatched in February of this year, carrying 4,303 tonnes of food, 154 tonnes of shelter materials, and 87 tonnes of medical aid.

These initiatives come as a continuation of the UAE's efforts to alleviate the suffering of civilians in the strip at an accelerated and coordinated pace as a result of the escalating humanitarian crisis, and to work to mitigate its negative effects, especially on the most vulnerable groups such as women, children, and the elderly.