Dubai sends winter relief supplies to Gaza through new air bridge

Dubai Humanitarian has initiated a new air bridge to transport winter relief supplies to Gaza. The inaugural flight, laden with essential humanitarian items like thermal blankets for Unicef, touched down in Al Arish, Egypt, before being routed to Gaza. Spearheaded by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, the Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, this operation comprises multiple flights carried out by the Dubai Royal Air Wing utilizing C-130 aircraft, each carrying around nine metric tonnes of humanitarian provisions.

Additional flights are anticipated in the forthcoming days to convey blankets for children and other vulnerable populations as families brace for the impending winter season. Marwan Ahmed bin Ghalita, chairman of the Dubai Humanitarian Authority, highlighted that the winter months exacerbate the hardships faced by families already grappling with challenging circumstances, especially children.

He emphasized, "The initial facilitated shipment of this novel air bridge arrived in Al Arish ahead of its onward transfer to Gaza. This undertaking underscores Dubai Humanitarian's enduring position as a dependable global hub, fostering collaboration among humanitarian partners, bolstering their endeavors, and facilitating aid delivery to those in need."

The shipment also marks the inaugural coordinated sourcing order under the UN80 Integrated Supply Chain Approach, which unites UN agencies to enhance cooperative sourcing and distribution of humanitarian supplies. Facilitated by Dubai Humanitarian in partnership with its allies, the initiative endeavors to enhance coordination, expedite relief operations, and augment the efficiency of aid distribution.

Since 2023, Dubai Humanitarian has contributed to Gaza's relief initiatives through air bridges, land convoys, and sea shipments, collaborating with international humanitarian allies to maintain a continuous flow of vital supplies via various transportation channels.