UAE Launches Operation Gallant Knight 3 to Aid Palestinians in Gaza Conflict
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has announced the initiation of Operation Gallant Knight 3, a humanitarian operation aimed at providing support to the Palestinian people in the Gaza Strip. The directive was given by UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan to the Joint Operations Command of the Ministry of Defence.
Under the operation, the Joint Operations Command will collaborate with UAE humanitarian institutions, including the Emirates Red Crescent, the Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan Foundation, and the Zayed Charitable Humanitarian Foundation, to deliver much-needed aid to the Palestinians affected by the ongoing conflict.
President Sheikh Mohamed has also called for volunteering opportunities to be made available for doctors registered with the Ministry of Health and Prevention and the Department of Health Abu Dhabi, as well as for volunteers registered with the Emirates Red Crescent and other humanitarian and charitable entities in the UAE.
However, logistical challenges imposed by Israel and the repeated bombing of the Rafah border crossing have caused delays in delivering aid to the people of Gaza. Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry highlighted these difficulties during his talks with the United Nations World Food Program (WFP) Executive Director. Shoukry emphasized the urgent need for increased aid to address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and praised Egypt’s efforts in facilitating continuous access to humanitarian assistance.
According to the UN Office for Coordinated Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), aid trucks carrying food, health supplies, water, and hygiene products have entered Gaza via the Rafah crossing. However, the Kerem Shalom crossing with Israel and the Israeli pedestrian crossing of Erez remain closed, further exacerbating the challenges in providing aid to the Palestinian people.
Amidst these efforts, the UAE has strongly condemned the disgraceful and unacceptable statements made by Israeli Minister of Heritage Amihai Eliyahu regarding the dropping of a nuclear bomb on the Gaza Strip. The UAE’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasized that such statements violate international law and incite grave violations of international humanitarian law. The UAE called for an immediate ceasefire to protect civilian lives and provide necessary humanitarian assistance.
Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Jordan have also condemned the Israeli minister’s remarks as inflammatory and provocative, highlighting the penetration of extremism and brutality in the Israeli government. They called for adherence to humanitarian and moral values and international laws, denouncing the incitement to commit war crimes and the ongoing crimes against the people of Gaza.
As the UAE launches Operation Gallant Knight 3, it hopes to provide vital support to the Palestinians in Gaza and contribute to efforts aimed at achieving a comprehensive and just peace in the region. The international community is urged to intensify its efforts to prevent further escalation of violence and alleviate the suffering of the Palestinian people during this challenging time.
