Abu Dhabi students help pack 10,000 winter relief kits to help needy Gazans

Abu Dhabi university students have contributed to a nationwide initiative to aid Gaza residents, assembling 10,000 winter relief kits. These kits, replete with 70,000 items of clothing and heating supplies, aim to shield vulnerable communities from the impending cold weather. The endeavor was spearheaded by the Sheikh Saeed bin Zayed Al Nahyan Endowment and aligned with the UAE's humanitarian efforts.

Hamoud Al Afari, director of UAE relief operations, commended the students for demonstrating the virtues of compassion and generosity. To date, the UAE has channeled over 131,000 tonnes of humanitarian aid to Gaza, valued at $4.16 billion. The winter clothing drive commenced in September, seeking to provide shelter to one million Gazans grappling with the harsh conditions brought about by the ongoing conflict.

The rapid decline in temperatures is anticipated to intensify the dire circumstances for those displaced by the war, with over 74,000 Palestinians losing their lives. A US-backed ceasefire, although halting the large-scale hostilities, has not halted Israeli strikes, and progress towards a lasting peace remains elusive. Meanwhile, Dubai Humanitarian has initiated an air bridge to transport winter relief to Gaza, with the first flight delivering thermal blankets to Unicef in Al Arish, Egypt.

A subsequent wave of flights is slated to deliver blankets for children and other vulnerable groups. The UAE government is also contributing to the cause through the Ahmed bin Rashid Humanitarian Bridge initiative, which has assembled 10 million in food aid for Gaza.