SARA ALZAABI (ABU DHABI)
In the middle of tensions, the UAE continues to offer hope, standing by those in need and reinforcing its role as a global leader in humanitarian action. On March 26, amid ongoing military escalation in the region, the UAE dispatched its 328th humanitarian aid convoy to the Gaza Strip as part of Operation Chivalrous Knight 3.
Fifteen trucks entered the enclave carrying 270 tonnes of clothing for children, helping Palestinian families meet basic needs in the face of worsening humanitarian conditions.
It was a show of compassion that does not falter, and a commitment that does not pause, even in challenging moments.
For the UAE, humanitarian work is not a short-term response but a sustained effort built on continuity, according to Mohammed Al Shareef, spokesperson for Operation Chivalrous Knight 3, a comprehensive nationwide initiative that has supported Palestinians in Gaza since 2023.
“What we are witnessing today is an integrated system operating continuously across various channels, ensuring the uninterrupted flow of aid and strengthening sustainable support,” Al Shareef told Aletihad in an interview.
This approach, he added, is driven by several years of experience, strong leadership support, and close coordination across government and non-government entities.
The UAE, which has so far contributed about 46% of the total aid to Gaza, is not only among the largest donors but also among the first to respond to the crisis, Al Shareef said.
In delivering relief to those who need it most, the UAE focuses on both speed and quality, ensuring support reaches people quickly while maintaining high standards in how it is provided.
Citing an example, Al Shareef said more than 11,306 trucks, 761 flights, and 25 ships are managed within a single system, enabling large-scale delivery without compromising standards. And for areas beyond the reach of trucks and ships, the ‘Birds of Goodness’ missions took flight, completing 81 airdrops launched from countries including Egypt and Jordan.
Aid is also tailored to needs on the ground, with parcels put together specifically for men, women, and children, he added.
International Cooperation
With partner nations and global organisations pitching in and helping out, Operation Chivalrous Knight 3 has become a leading model of cross-border cooperation, Al Shareef said.
“This collaboration goes beyond logistics; it includes close coordination with international organisations such as the World Health Organisation to strengthen the health sector.”
The scale of the operation’s impact is evident in the latest figures: more than 122,143 tonnes of aid, valued at over $3 billion, Al Shareef said.
Medical support has been equally extensive, with more than 54,000 cases treated at the field hospital and over 24,000 at the Emirati floating hospital.
Al Shareef said that behind the UAE’s efforts is a clear message: Humanitarian work is a steadfast, ongoing commitment, driven by rapid response, strengthened through international cooperation, and focused on delivering aid with speed, efficiency, and care.