The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has strongly condemned the looting of its humanitarian aid trucks meant for the people of Gaza. According to official reports, the trucks were attacked and stolen in an area that is under Israeli control. The incident has raised serious concerns and sparked a strong reaction from the UAE’s humanitarian mission.
The Emirati aid was part of a major relief effort to help the people of Gaza, who are facing extreme shortages of food, water, and medical supplies. The UAE has been one of the few countries consistently sending aid to Gaza through the Rafah border crossing, located between Egypt and the Gaza Strip.
A Humanitarian Mission Disrupted
The UAE has been running a humanitarian operation called “Gallant Knight 3”, which is focused on sending medical, food, and shelter supplies to Gaza. The recent looting incident took place after aid trucks crossed into Gaza and entered a zone reportedly under Israeli military control.
In a statement, the UAE’s mission said that these trucks were not just delivering supplies — they were part of a lifeline for thousands of families struggling to survive. However, after entering the area, the trucks were looted and the goods stolen. The UAE described the looting as “shocking” and “completely unacceptable,” especially considering that the incident occurred in a supposedly secure zone.
Aid Workers Express Shock and Disappointment
Members of the Emirati Red Crescent and humanitarian teams expressed their frustration, saying that months of planning and effort had been wasted. One aid worker said, “We risk our lives to help others. Seeing this happen is heartbreaking.”
The aid was intended for hospitals, refugee camps, and emergency shelters inside Gaza. These facilities have been overwhelmed due to the ongoing conflict, and many are functioning without enough medicine, fuel, or electricity.
Call for Investigation and Action
The UAE has called for a full and transparent investigation into the incident. It has also demanded that Israeli authorities take responsibility for ensuring the safety and delivery of humanitarian aid, especially in areas under their control.
Officials from the UAE also said they will continue to support Gaza, but they are seeking stronger guarantees from international organizations and relevant authorities to ensure aid is not intercepted or looted again.
“We are not stopping our efforts,” said a senior official. “But we need to protect our aid and ensure it reaches those who truly need it.”
Gaza’s Humanitarian Crisis Deepens
The looting of the UAE trucks comes at a time when Gaza’s humanitarian crisis is getting worse. The ongoing conflict has displaced hundreds of thousands of people. Many families are living in overcrowded shelters or on the streets with little to eat or drink.
Hospitals are struggling to treat patients with limited resources. Medical staff have reported performing surgeries without anesthesia and treating wounds in unsanitary conditions. Children are the most affected, with rising cases of malnutrition and dehydration.
International aid groups have warned that if the flow of aid continues to be disrupted, Gaza could face a full-scale famine and collapse of its health system.
UAE Remains a Key Donor
Despite this major setback, the UAE remains one of the key donors providing support to Gaza. Since the start of the crisis, the UAE has sent hundreds of tons of humanitarian supplies, including food baskets, baby formula, medical kits, and tents. UAE-run field hospitals have also been set up to treat injured civilians and provide emergency care.
The Emirates has called on other nations and international agencies to increase support for Gaza and ensure that aid corridors remain open and protected. The UAE’s actions are part of its broader commitment to humanitarian relief, not just in the region but across the world.
Global Response and Rising Concerns
The international community has also reacted to the news, with several human rights organizations expressing concern about the safety of humanitarian workers and aid deliveries in conflict zones. The looting of aid trucks undermines the principles of humanitarian law, which state that aid should never be targeted or obstructed.
Many countries and global figures are now urging all sides involved in the conflict to respect international rules and ensure safe passage for humanitarian convoys. There is also growing pressure on Israel to explain how the incident occurred in an area under its control.
The Road Ahead for Aid in Gaza
Going forward, the UAE has stated that it will work closely with its partners to build better protections for aid convoys. This may include tracking systems, international escorts, or setting up new distribution hubs in safer zones.
There is also a call for stronger coordination among aid groups to prevent future incidents. UAE humanitarian leaders have stressed the importance of unity and trust in delivering effective relief to Gaza’s people.
In the meantime, the UAE continues to send urgent medical and food aid through the Rafah border, hoping to ease the suffering of civilians caught in the middle of a tragic and ongoing crisis.
“We are not here for politics,” said one humanitarian worker. “We are here for the people — and we won’t give up on them.”
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