The United Arab Emirates has successfully reached an agreement with Israel to facilitate the delivery of urgent humanitarian aid to the besieged Gaza Strip. This significant development comes amid mounting international pressure on Israel to allow aid into Gaza, where a total blockade has caused critical shortages of food and medicine since 2 March 2025.
Details of the Agreement
According to a statement released by Emirati state media on Wednesday, the agreement followed a phone call between Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed, the UAE Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, and Gideon Saar, Israel’s Minister of Foreign Affairs. The UAE’s official news agency, WAM, reported that this collaboration aims to address the pressing humanitarian needs of approximately 15,000 civilians in Gaza during the initial phase of aid delivery.
The aid package will include essential supplies to support the operation of bakeries in Gaza, along with critical items for infant care. This initiative ensures a continuous supply of necessary resources to meet the ongoing needs of civilians affected by the conflict.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu emphasized the importance of preventing famine in Gaza for both practical and diplomatic reasons. His government recently announced plans to allow limited aid into the region, responding to the escalating humanitarian crisis.
As international scrutiny intensifies, the European Union’s top diplomat, Kaja Kallas, indicated that the EU would review its trade agreement with Israel due to the “catastrophic” situation in Gaza. This review reflects the growing concern among global leaders regarding the humanitarian impact of the ongoing conflict.
Current Situation in Gaza
Earlier reports indicated that Israel had permitted around 100 aid trucks to enter Gaza, although humanitarian agencies noted that many trucks remained held up. The Israeli military has intensified its operations against Hamas, following a cross-border attack on Israeli communities in October 2023. Medics in Gaza report that Israeli strikes have resulted in over 500 fatalities in just the past eight days.
Since the beginning of March, Israel has blocked the entry of medical supplies, food, and fuel into Gaza, prompting warnings from international experts about the looming threat of famine. While some aid trucks were allowed entry on Monday, the situation remains dire for many civilians in the region.
In conclusion, the UAE’s agreement with Israel marks a crucial step toward addressing the urgent humanitarian needs in Gaza. As the international community continues to advocate for increased aid access, the focus remains on alleviating the suffering of civilians caught in the conflict.
