UAE Sends Five Automatic Bakeries to Al Arish, Aiding Gaza Strip Amidst Bread Shortage

In a significant move to alleviate the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has dispatched five automatic bakeries to the Egyptian city of Al Arish. This initiative is a part of the "Gallant Knight 3" humanitarian operation aimed at supporting the Palestinian people amidst a severe bread shortage in the Gaza Strip. The bakeries, once operational, are expected to significantly bolster the food supply, catering to the daily bread needs of over 420,000 individuals.

The UAE's contribution comes at a critical time when the Gaza Strip faces dire food shortages. Each of the five bakeries boasts a production capacity of approximately 17,500 loaves per hour, showcasing a substantial effort to meet the urgent food requirements of the Palestinian population. To ensure these bakeries operate efficiently around the clock, the UAE has committed to supplying essential resources including flour, diesel, and other materials. Additionally, the salaries of personnel who will manage and supervise these bakeries in Gaza will be covered by the UAE.

Rashid Mubarak Al Mansouri, Secretary-General of the Emirates Red Crescent (ERC), emphasized the UAE's dedication to addressing the needs of Palestinians and enhancing support and humanitarian responses. Al Mansouri highlighted that these bakeries, upon becoming fully operational, will play a pivotal role in alleviating some of the food scarcity challenges and improving the overall humanitarian conditions faced by Palestinians.

The ERC is actively mobilizing its relief resources and logistical capabilities to support its humanitarian initiatives under "Gallant Knight 3". This operation underscores the UAE's commitment to providing comprehensive aid to Palestinians affected by the current crisis.

Extensive Aid Contributions

As part of its broader humanitarian efforts within "Gallant Knight 3", the UAE has made significant contributions to aid the Palestinian people. As of 17th February 2024, more than 15,700 tonnes of aid have been delivered through 162 cargo planes. In addition to food support, the UAE has initiated six water desalination plants in Gaza. These plants have a combined desalination capacity of approximately 1.2 million gallons per day, directly benefiting Gaza's residents by addressing one of their most pressing needs - access to clean water.

The deployment of automatic bakeries and other humanitarian initiatives by the UAE exemplifies a multifaceted approach to supporting Palestinians during these challenging times. Through these efforts, the UAE continues to stand as a key player in regional humanitarian assistance, striving to improve living conditions and foster resilience among affected communities in Gaza.

With inputs from WAM