United Arab Emirates and World Central Kitchen Complete Food Delivery to Northern Gaza; Aid brought to Gaza by Sea in Historic First

Tue 19/3/2024
General
The UAE and WCK, with the support of Cyprus, partner for first maritime delivery to Gaza and deliver aid to the North 

The United Arab Emirates and the World Central Kitchen announced they successfully completed the delivery of food aid to Gaza by sea, and delivered it to Northern Gaza. 

The mission – Operation Safeena – in partnership with Open Arms and with the support of the government of Cyprus departed from Cyprus and docked just off the coast of Gaza, marking the first maritime delivery of food aid to Gaza since October. 

The bulk food aid was delivered to Northern Gaza this morning in cooperation with a World Food Program convoy, that also carried a load of WCK ready-to-eat meals. 

“We are grateful for this robust partnership along with Open Arms and the support of the government of Cyprus to help make this latest effort a success. Bringing food by sea to Gaza is a critical and long overdue step. Food and water are a universal right. The dire humanitarian situation in Gaza requires a massive response – including by sea, air and land. We are pursuing additional maritime food aid deliveries and look forward to working with the international community to do all that is possible to urgently address this challenge,” said Her Excellency Reem Ebrahim Al Hashimy, United Arab Emirates Minister of State for International Cooperation, and Erin Gore, Chief Executive Officer, World Central Kitchen.

This first maritime delivery carried almost 200 tons of rice, flour and proteins. Another 240 tons of food aid are ready for a second sailing to Gaza from the Larnaca, Cyprus port. 

Since October, WCK and partners have served over 39 million meals in Gaza and are constantly adapting to meet the various challenges and needs, with WCK’s efforts accounting for more than 60% of all NGO-provided humanitarian aid in Gaza.

To date, the UAE has delivered 21,000 tonnes of urgent supplies, including food, water, and medical items, dispatched through 216 flights, 10 airdrops, 964 trucks, and two ships.

Related News

Fri 01/8/2025
General
UAE leaders congratulate Presidents of Benin, Switzerland on National Days

President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan has sent congratulatory messages to President Patrice Talon of Benin, and President Karin Keller-Sutter of the Swiss Confederation on the occasion of their countries' National Days.

View Details
Fri 01/8/2025
General
UAE and Jordan Lead Airdrop Operation of Humanitarian Aid in Gaza Alongside France, Germany, Italy and Spain

His Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, conducted a phone call with His Excellency Ayman Safadi, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan

View Details
Thu 31/7/2025
General
UAE Expresses Solidarity with Romania and Conveys Condolences over Flood Victims

The United Arab Emirates has expressed its sincere condolences and solidarity with Romania over the victims of the floods caused by heavy rainfall, which resulted in the deaths of a number of people, the evacuation of hundreds, and significant damage.

View Details
Thu 31/7/2025
Minister News
Abdullah bin Zayed Welcomes Intent of Several Countries to Recognize State of Palestine and Urges Broader International Support

His Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, welcomed the intention of Malta, Canada, Australia, Andorra, Finland, Iceland, Luxembourg, New Zealand, Portugal, and San Marino to recognize the State of Palestine.

View Details
Did you find this content useful?

You can help us improve by providing your feedback about your experience.

Have you used our services at our service centre or digitally recently?