UAE sends school supplies for more than 25,000 Gaza children as part of humanitarian campaign

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has transported essential school supplies to over 25,000 children in Gaza to bolster the region's educational system amid the ongoing conflict. The Sharjah Charity International, in collaboration with the UAE's Operation Gallant Knight 3, loaded the items onto a cargo plane that departed from Sharjah International Airport, heading toward the UAE's humanitarian aid logistics center in Al Arish, Egypt.

The massive shipment, weighing over 60 tonnes, included school bags, writing materials, and other necessities for education.

Mohammed Al Shareef, a spokesman for Operation Gallant Knight 3, informed The National that the donation would benefit more than 25,000 pupils in Gaza. "As the new academic year approaches, we aim to support students in Gaza and the educational sector," he stated. "The UAE remains committed to supporting our Palestinian brothers in all circumstances."

Hmoud Al Afari, director of UAE relief operations, elaborated on the initiative, titled 'Through Education We Rise,' which seeks to maintain education in Gaza and enable students to resume their studies despite the challenging circumstances. "This campaign will offer children a chance to learn and lead normal lives," he said. "It will enhance educational opportunities for children who symbolize hope for a better future."

The UAE's aid constitutes more than 46 percent of the total international assistance delivered to Gaza. The humanitarian action's significance was emphasized as the world commemorated World Humanitarian Day on Wednesday. Since Operation Gallant Knight 3's inception under President Sheikh Mohammed in November 2023, the UAE has been a leading force in providing aid and humanitarian support to Palestinians in Gaza, working alongside the Emirates Red Crescent and other charitable entities.

Since its launch, Operation Gallant Knight 3 has delivered more than Dh14.2 billion ($3.89 billion) in aid to Gaza. Additionally, the UAE has established a floating hospital in Egypt and two medical centers in Gaza, transported numerous patients, including those with cancer and war-related injuries, to the Emirates for treatment, and initiated the Step of Hope program, fitting prosthetics for 72 Palestinian amputees.

The conflict in Gaza erupted on October 7, 2023, when Hamas launched an assault on southern Israeli communities, resulting in the deaths of around 1,200 people. Since then, Israel's military campaign has claimed the lives of approximately 73,200 Palestinians, including over 1,100 since the ceasefire in October 2023.