Video: How the UAE is feeding Gaza’s hungry — by land, sea, and airdrops

From the very onset of the devastating war in the Gaza Strip, and in line with its longstanding humanitarian and relief commitments, the United Arab Emirates—under the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE (may God protect him)—swiftly mobilised to aid the Palestinian people.

Among the first nations to respond to the crisis, the UAE prioritised treatment for the wounded, urgent relief for affected families, and support for essential services, particularly healthcare.

Its ongoing initiatives include sustaining food kitchens that provide thousands of meals daily to displaced individuals, easing suffering and addressing basic needs.

The UAE continues to deliver multifaceted humanitarian support to the Palestinian people—by land, sea, and air—supplying medical aid, food, clean water, and shelter materials. It collaborates closely with international partners to ensure safe and sustainable humanitarian corridors while also intensifying diplomatic efforts to de-escalate the conflict and protect civilians.

In early November 2023, the UAE launched Operation Gallant Knight 3, a large-scale humanitarian initiative to support the people of Gaza. This operation embodies the UAE’s values of solidarity and compassion during crises.

Today, the UAE stands as the largest donor of humanitarian aid to Gaza, setting a global example of brotherhood, resilience, and enduring support for the Palestinian cause.

As part of Operation Gallant Knight 3, the UAE resumed its “Birds of Goodness” airdrop missions, completing its 54th airdrop in coordination with the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan. This vital effort reaches civilians in isolated and hard-to-access areas of Gaza.

The latest joint airdrop delivered 25 tonnes of humanitarian aid, further reflecting the UAE’s unwavering commitment to reach those most in need.

Since its launch, the “Birds of Goodness” initiative has deployed 193 aircraft, airdropping approximately 3,725 tonnes of essential supplies—food, medical items, and other relief materials—offering urgent help to families devastated by the worsening humanitarian situation.

This initiative reflects the UAE’s deeply rooted humanitarian policy and rapid-response approach. Significantly, UAE aid represents over 44% of the total international aid delivered to Gaza, including support for field hospitals, the floating hospital in Arish, and critical medical supplies.

In Gaza, children, women, and war survivors are not waiting for statements—they’re waiting for food parcels and medical kits from the sky. They depend on that next loaf of bread. They are simply hoping to survive another day.

The UAE affirms that support for the Palestinian people will remain a top humanitarian priority and will continue to work with regional and international partners to ensure timely, life-saving aid—by land, sea, and air.

The UAE’s principled approach is reflected not only in its delivery of aid but also in the swift, transparent actions of its leaders. When His Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Deputy Prime Minister, tweeted about the crisis in Gaza, it was immediately followed by the activation of air bridges and field operations.

This sequence exemplifies the UAE’s action-first, results-driven strategy—focusing on tangible aid rather than words alone. The UAE’s contributions account for nearly 45% of all humanitarian aid reaching Gaza. This includes the only field hospital operating continuously in the Strip since day one, and a floating hospital that remains in service, treating critical cases and saving lives.

In another demonstration of its steadfast support for Palestine, the UAE dispatched the ‘Khalifa Ship 8’ from Khalifa Port in Abu Dhabi. As part of Operation Gallant Knight 3, the ship sailed to the Port of Arish, Egypt, where its cargo would be transferred into Gaza.

This is the largest humanitarian aid vessel the UAE has ever deployed, carrying 7,166 tonnes of supplies, including:

This massive shipment underscores the UAE’s unwavering commitment to alleviating suffering and preserving human dignity—further cementing its role as a leading humanitarian force both regionally and globally.