Dubai residents gather to pack aid for Gaza

UAE citizens and residents continue to contribute to the "Tarahum - for Gaza" campaign, reflecting the value's of UAE community? humanitarian solidarity with the Palestinian people affected in the Gaza Strip, and support for the official efforts in this region.

Hundreds of people helped to pack boxes of aid for Palestinian people in Gaza on Saturday in Dubai.

There was heavy traffic congestion outside Al Rimal Hall on the Al Ain Road but a solemn silence replaced the usual sound of honking horns as volunteers joined the UAE's efforts to provide aid for Palestinian families.

Inside, adults and young children stood side by side to fill boxes with supplies including canned food, powdered milk, instant cereal, hygiene kits and other necessities.

The event was part of the Compassion for Gaza campaign organised by Emirates Red Crescent, the World Food Programme, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Community Development.

“We currently have about 1,050 boxes, and our goal is to reach 13,000 boxes containing food baskets, women's baskets, and children's baskets,” – said Sultan Al Shamsi, Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs for Development and International Organisations Affairs.

He emphasised the importance of providing ready-to-eat food that complies with international safety standards, because many in Gaza have no access to cooking facilities.

The outpouring of support from the community has been remarkable, he said, with more than 20 NGOs, as well as individuals taking part in the initiative.

The campaign have moved to Abu Dhabi's National Exhibition Centre (Adnec) and Sharjah’s Expo Centre on Sunday.

“More events are planned for the coming weeks,” Mr Al Shamsi said.

“Access to aid is very important, and we encourage more access as we have seen lines of trucks waiting to enter Gaza. The UAE is ready to send more assistance,” he said.

One of the volunteers, Mahira Zakiuddin, 42, a school counsellor from Pakistan, brought her two children with her.

“There is little that we can do, but I would like to think that someone would do the same for my children, should anything happen,” she said.

Palestinian diaspora determined to help

Ayman Al Souq, 42, who is originally from Gaza and has lived in the UAE for nearly four decades, came with his two daughters.

“We were driven by the feeling that this is our duty,” he said.

He shared his family's personal connection to Gaza, where their homes in the Al Rimal neighbourhood were destroyed in Israeli air strikes.

“My wife’s and my extended family had to relocate to Deir Al Balah after their home were destroyed,” he said.

Emirati volunteer Shamsa Ali, who was working with the Red Crescent, spoke of her motivation.

“I came to help our people in Gaza and felt like I also needed to encourage everyone to come help,” she said.

The campaign's goal is to prepare 25,000 relief packages, with the support of volunteers from across the UAE, as well as public and private institutions.