Abu Dhabi: The UAE is making significant strides in addressing the ongoing humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip by breaking the food and water siege that has gripped the region for over a year and a half. The UAE is delivering substantial food aid through land, air, and sea, and is implementing initiatives aimed at providing sustainable solutions, such as automatic bakeries and field kitchens, to alleviate the suffering of the Palestinian population.
According to Union of OIC News Agencies, the Gaza Strip is experiencing a severe food and water crisis, with Palestinian medical sources reporting that 147 people, including 88 children, have died from malnutrition. Data from the World Food Programme and UNICEF indicates that over one-third of the population goes days without food, and nearly a quarter of Gaza's residents are enduring famine-like conditions. The rest of the population is grappling with emergency levels of hunger.
Despite these harsh conditions, the UAE's support, particularly through "Operation Gallant Knight 3," has been crucial in mitigating the situation. UN reports highlight that Emirati aid constitutes 44% of the total international aid to Gaza. During the past Ramadan, the Emirates Red Crescent facilitated Iftar programs, distributing 13 million meals and aiding over two million people, while also providing 17 bakeries to serve three million individuals.
In response to the water crisis, exacerbated by the damage to infrastructure due to conflict, the UAE has established six desalination plants, producing two million gallons of water daily. This initiative benefits more than six people in Gaza. Furthermore, "Gallant Knight 15" announced a new humanitarian project on July 3, aimed at supplying desalinated water from Egypt to southern Gaza via a large pipeline, addressing the critical water shortage.
The project involves constructing a 315 mm, 6.7 km water pipeline, connecting the UAE's desalination plant on the Egyptian side to areas between the governorates of Khan Yunis and Rafah. This initiative aims to serve approximately 600 residents, providing 15 liters of water per person daily, amidst the destruction of over 80% of Gaza's water facilities.
Additionally, the UAE is undertaking projects to drill and maintain drinking water wells and improve sewage networks in several areas, along with dispatching tankers for fresh water transport, further underscoring its commitment to supporting the people of Gaza.
