First 15 trucks cross borders into Gaza, offering hope as the number of casualties and injured civilians rises

Dubai, 23 July 2014 – Under the direction of HH Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, two additional airlifts providing crucial supplies for Gaza left Dubai today, bringing the total number of airlifts from the Emirate to five in just three days. Organized by Dubai's International Humanitarian City, and using C130-s and a Boeing 747, 53,000 sleeping mats, nearly 20,000 blankets, 2000 kitchen sets, and 220 hygiene kits plus supplies of High Energy Biscuits (HEBs) have already been supplied.  The total value of the shipped goods has already reached about AED 3.65m (approx. $1m).  

All supplies from Dubai are now being flown to Amman's Marka Airport and will then be transferred by land.  The nonfood aid will be distributed by UNWRA to more than 120,000 Gazans who have lost their homes due to continuous Israeli bombardment.  Additionally, the HEBs are being provided by the UN World Food Programme (WFP) for distribution by both their staff and UNWRA in Gaza. More trucks are being loaded and the airlift will continue using stocks held at the International Humanitarian City plus newly procured and donated items.  

Additionally, medicines donated by the World Health Organization will be added to the consignments as the bombardment has severely damaged hospitals and health facilities in Gaza. Specialised rations and other ready-to-eat foods are likely to feature in upcoming shipments as well. 

Funding and support for the operation has come from UNWRA, the UAE Red Crescent, Dubai Airwing, and the International Humanitarian City in Dubai, the UN World Food Programme.