Eight Lorries Carry Vital Supplies Including Tents and Medical Kits to Support 12,000 People
In response to the escalating humanitarian crisis in Gaza, the United Nations Humanitarian Response Depot (UNHRD) in Dubai has mobilized aid efforts to provide vital support to the besieged population. Amidst the ongoing conflict and displacement of over 1.9 million people, the UNHRD is dispatching essential supplies via eight lorries, including tents and medical kits, to assist approximately 12,000 individuals in Gaza.
The initiative, spearheaded by the World Food Programme-managed UNHRD, aims to address the urgent needs of the Gazan population amidst dire circumstances. Walid Ibrahim, the network co-ordinator for UNHRD, emphasized the critical nature of the aid shipments, highlighting the immediate impact they will have on alleviating the suffering of those affected by the conflict.
“These trucks will travel all the way from Dubai to Jordan by road,” stated Mr. Ibrahim. “The cargo is enough to support around 12,000 people inside Gaza, as part of the multiple and ongoing shipments that are being dispatched to support the growing needs in Gaza.”
The aid efforts come in the wake of international calls for an immediate ceasefire in the Gaza war, with the UN stressing the imperative of unhindered access to provide essential assistance to the civilian population. Faced with the looming threat of famine and malnutrition, particularly in the northern regions of Gaza, humanitarian agencies are racing against time to deliver life-saving aid to those in need.
“Famine is ‘imminent’ in the north of Gaza, with malnutrition among children proceeding at a record pace,” revealed Mr. Ibrahim. “Parents are not eating for days at a time so their children can, exacerbating an already dire situation.”
Amidst the challenging operational environment, characterized by restricted access and logistical hurdles, the UNHRD remains committed to ensuring the delivery of aid to vulnerable communities in Gaza. The aid shipments, sponsored by the European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (Echo), underscore the collaborative efforts of international partners to address the humanitarian crisis.
“Echo has been a relentless partner of WFP and UNHRD since the very early days of the crisis,” affirmed Mr. Ibrahim.
The aid supplies, sourced from various partners including Irish Aid and Catholic Relief Services, encompass emergency shelter equipment and medical supplies crucial for meeting the immediate needs of the affected population. As part of its comprehensive response strategy, the WFP is also supporting community kitchens and bakeries to provide hot meals and essential food items to thousands of individuals on a daily basis.
“Since the beginning of the war, about 43 consignments were sent from UNHRD Dubai and Brindisi hubs,” highlighted Mr. Ibrahim. “These shipments, valued at approximately $5 million, have enabled the distribution of food assistance to over 1.45 million people in Gaza.”
Despite the immense challenges posed by the conflict, humanitarian agencies remain steadfast in their commitment to providing vital assistance to those affected by the crisis. With the support of international partners and the concerted efforts of aid organizations, the UNHRD Dubai continues to play a pivotal role in delivering life-saving aid to Gaza amidst the ongoing humanitarian emergency.
In the face of adversity, the solidarity and collective action of the global community serve as a beacon of hope for the millions of individuals affected by the conflict in Gaza. As efforts to address the humanitarian crisis intensify, the UNHRD Dubai remains at the forefront of relief operations, dedicated to supporting the most vulnerable and marginalized communities in their time of need.
