UAE Disburses $1.5 Billion in Aid to Gaza, Persisting in Humanitarian Assistance Efforts
In a bid to alleviate the worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza, President Sheikh Mohamed recently held a phone call with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, discussing the urgent need for international support. This conversation comes as the United Arab Emirates (UAE) continues its active role in providing aid to the region.
Since 2023, the UAE has been a leading provider of humanitarian aid to Gaza, primarily through numerous airdrop operations. As of early August 2025, the UAE has completed at least 60 airdrop missions, delivering critical humanitarian aid. These missions, often in coordination with Jordan and several European countries such as France, Germany, Italy, and Spain, have been essential in addressing shortages caused by the ongoing blockade and conflict in Gaza.
The aid mainly consists of dried food supplies, including rice, flour, and baby formula. Each airdrop typically involves C-130 aircraft capable of carrying around eight tonnes of aid per flight. However, it's important to note that these packages do not contain medical supplies.
The UAE's humanitarian commitment to Gaza is steady and ongoing. A recent example is the shipment that left Khalifa Port in Abu Dhabi on July 21, carrying 7,166 tonnes of supplies. This ship, bound for Al Arish Port in Egypt, holds 4,372 tonnes of food, 1,433 tonnes of shelter materials, 860 tonnes of medical supplies, and 501 tonnes of health supplies. The ship also carries a fully equipped field hospital that can accommodate 400 patients and 16 ambulances.
The UAE's humanitarian efforts in Gaza are aimed at easing severe suffering amid continuing catastrophic conditions. Despite these efforts, the overall humanitarian situation remains dire. Reports from organizations like the International Rescue Committee (IRC) highlight that nearly the entire population of Gaza needs urgent assistance due to displacement, food insecurity, and limited access to essential services. The IRC also notes that the blockade and restrictions on aid entry have greatly limited the effectiveness of such efforts, and airdrops are costly, inefficient, and sometimes risky, with distribution challenges and concerns over safety for civilians receiving aid.
The UAE's leadership has consistently stressed the need to secure a ceasefire in Gaza, improve the flow of aid into the territory, and to pursue peace based on a two-state solution. Sheikh Mohamed praised Mr. Starmer's statements regarding Britain's intention to recognize the Palestinian state. The UAE's humanitarian aid to Gaza has been provided through all available means, including land, sea, and air.
In addition to the airdrops and shipments, the UAE has delivered more medical support to patients in Gaza hospitals than any other country. The UAE has also received hundreds of wounded and injured individuals from Gaza for medical treatment in its hospitals. The UAE's humanitarian aid to Gaza since the start of the war with Israel has amounted to over $1.5 billion, and the UAE has distributed over 78,000 tonnes of aid in partnership with international organizations.
The UAE's Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that the UAE continues to respond to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, remaining firmly dedicated to continuing its support for the brotherly Palestinian people. The UAE resumed air drop aid missions to the Gaza Strip, in partnership with Jordan, on Sunday. The UAE's leadership and people stand committed to alleviating the suffering of the people of Gaza and working towards a peaceful resolution to the conflict.
- The UAE, in partnership with Jordan and several European countries, has been conducting essential airdrop missions to Gaza since 2023, delivering critical humanitarian aid to address shortages caused by the ongoing blockade and conflict.
- The UAE's humanitarian aid to Gaza has been consistent, with each airdrop typically involving C-130 aircraft capable of carrying around eight tonnes of aid per flight.
- In addition to airdrops, the UAE has been providing medical support to patients in Gaza hospitals, receiving hundreds of wounded and injured individuals from Gaza for medical treatment.
- The aid delivered by the UAE to Gaza mainly consists of dried food supplies, but it does not contain medical supplies.
- The overall humanitarian situation in Gaza remains dire, with nearly the entire population needing urgent assistance due to displacement, food insecurity, and limited access to essential services, according to organizations like the International Rescue Committee (IRC).
- The UAE's leadership has advocated for a ceasefire in Gaza, improvement in the flow of aid, and pursuit of peace based on a two-state solution, and has praised statements by UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer regarding Britain's intention to recognize the Palestinian state.
