21-07-2025
UAE Sends Largest Aid Ship Yet to Gaza with Field Hospital
In a powerful show of humanitarian support, the UAE has sent its largest-ever aid ship to Gaza, loaded with thousands of tonnes of critical supplies and a fully equipped field hospital.
Departing from Khalifa Port in Abu Dhabi on Monday, the vessel is carrying 7,166 tonnes of aid to Egypt's Al Arish Port, from where the supplies will be transported into Gaza. This shipment marks a major milestone in Operation Gallant Knight 3, a UAE initiative to provide ongoing support to Palestinians amid escalating humanitarian challenges.
The cargo includes 4,372 tonnes of food, 1,433 tonnes of shelter materials, 860 tonnes of medical supplies, and 501 tonnes of health-related items, according to the state news agency WAM.
Also onboard: a fully equipped field hospital capable of treating up to 400 patients, along with 16 ambulances and 20 massive tankers of clean drinking water, according to Hamoud Al Efari, coordinator of the UAE Aid Mission.
'The ship will arrive in the Egyptian city of Al Arish in the next two weeks,' he told The National. 'It has a field hospital as a gift from the UAE to the medical sector in Gaza.'
Once docked, the cargo will be temporarily stored in UAE-run warehouses in Al Arish, then distributed to Gaza via trucks.
'This is the eighth and largest ship sent to support our Palestinian brothers in Gaza,' said Ahmed Sari Al Mazrouei, Secretary General of Emirates Red Crescent. 'It has a variety of food and shelter aid provided by Emirates Red Crescent and other humanitarian groups.'
This latest delivery brings the UAE's total aid to Gaza to more than 77,000 tonnes since the start of Operation Gallant Knight 3, which launched in 2023 under the direction of President Sheikh Mohamed.
Earlier this month, the UAE dispatched its seventh ship carrying 2,500 tonnes of food essentials like flour, milk, dates, and tea. That shipment was rerouted through Israel's Ashdod Port before reaching Gaza.
A Lifeline of Clean Water
Access to clean water remains one of Gaza's most urgent problems, with over 80% of the enclave's water infrastructure destroyed.
In response, the UAE's 20 water tankers aim to provide immediate relief, while a new 6.7km water pipeline project —also funded by the Emirates—is underway to deliver desalinated water from Egypt into southern Gaza.
The project is expected to serve 600,000 displaced Palestinians, ensuring each person receives 15 liters of drinking water per day.
'The UAE has been and continues to be the primary supporter of Gaza across various sectors,' said Sharif Al Nairab, media officer for Operation Gallant Knight 3. 'From the construction of desalination plants to drilling wells and maintaining water networks, the aim is to bring clean water to those who need it most.'
Aid Amid Uncertainty
The humanitarian mission unfolds as ceasefire negotiations between Israel and Hamas stall, with mediators from Qatar, Egypt, and the US still working toward a resolution.
Reports suggest Hamas may abandon the talks if no deal is reached by the end of the week. While diplomatic progress remains slow, the UAE's aid efforts continue to provide tangible support on the ground, focusing on life-saving essentials and sustainable relief.
For now, the ship sails on, carrying more than supplies—it carries hope.
