Jordan has sent its 191st humanitarian aid convoy carrying
85 trucks of essential food supplies into Gaza, coordinated with the World Food
Programme and Jordanian armed forces. Meanwhile, the UAE conducted its 74th
airdrop under Operation Chivalrous Knight 3, delivering vital relief aid
including food and water projects to support Palestinians amid ongoing
humanitarian challenges.
Jordan sends 191st aid convoy to Gaza
As reported by Arab News on August 19, 2025, Jordan's
Hashemite Charity Organization dispatched its 191st aid convoy consisting of 85
trucks filled with essential food supplies to Gaza. This convoy was coordinated
with the World Food Programme (WFP) and supported logistically by the Jordanian
Armed Forces. Hussein Shibli, head of the charity organization, acknowledged
the daily challenges faced in delivering aid but reaffirmed Jordan’s unwavering
humanitarian mission despite obstacles. Jordan News Agency confirmed the convoy
crossed into Gaza under this coordinated effort, continuing Jordan’s long-term
support since the Gaza crisis began.
The convoy is part of Jordan’s strategic humanitarian
support to alleviate hunger and hardship in Gaza, where millions of
Palestinians face dire conditions. The Jordan Hashemite Charity Organization,
working in close collaboration with international relief agencies, has sent
numerous convoys since the crisis, including in July 2025 when 147 trucks were
sent through several convoys coordinated with WFP and World Central Kitchen.
Despite repeated attacks and impediments, such as those
reported earlier in August where illegal Israeli settlers assaulted aid convoys
en route to Gaza, Jordan continues its efforts to facilitate secure passage of
aid. Jordanian government spokesperson Mohammad al-Momani condemned these
attacks and criticised Israel for insufficient protection measures, urging the
Israeli authorities to uphold international law and agreements ensuring
humanitarian aid reaches its destination safely.
UAE escalates humanitarian aid through airdrops to Gaza
Simultaneously, the United Arab Emirates has stepped up its
humanitarian support through extensive airdrop operations. WAM, the UAE state
news agency, reported on August 19 that the UAE carried out its 74th airdrop of
humanitarian aid under the "Birds of Goodness" campaign, part of the
broader Operation Chivalrous Knight 3. This operation is a multinational
humanitarian initiative involving Jordan, Germany, Italy, Belgium, and France
among others. The aid primarily consists of essential food supplies, prepared
with the help of UAE charitable organizations, aimed at assisting Palestinians
enduring severe hardship in Gaza.
Since February 2024, the UAE has delivered more than 3,956
tonnes of food and essential aid through continuous airdrop missions targeting
the most vulnerable Palestinian populations, many of whom are in restricted
areas with limited access to ground aid.
In a significant development, the UAE has also advanced its
water supply infrastructure project in Gaza, dubbed "Lifeline."
According to Arab News, this project has extended a 7.5-kilometer pipeline from
UAE-financed desalination plants in Egypt's Rafah region to the densely
populated southern Gaza area of Al-Mawasi. This pipeline is expected to supply
up to 15 litres of fresh water daily to approximately 600,000 Palestinians
residing there, alleviating a critical shortage of potable water.
UAE-Jordan cooperation and international coalition
The humanitarian efforts led by the UAE and Jordan are part
of a broader international coalition aimed at enhancing aid delivery in the
besieged Gaza Strip. Sultan Al Shamsi, Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs
for Development and International Organisations from the UAE, highlighted the
extensive cooperation between the UAE and Jordan to maintain humanitarian flows
despite the difficult security and logistical situation on the ground.
The coalition, which includes several European and Islamic
nations, focuses on intensifying airdrop operations while working to expand
humanitarian corridors at Gaza's northern and southern borders. The aim is to
reach those cut off from relief aid due to ongoing conflict and access
restrictions.
Al Shamsi noted the challenges faced given the entire
population of Gaza requires assistance. The coalition’s strategy adapts to the
constant displacement of people within Gaza necessitating regular reassessment
of needs for food, water, healthcare, and shelter. The UAE maintains a
humanitarian team operating inside Gaza, including the Rafah field hospital
staffed with medical personnel and volunteers. It also provides medical
supplies and supports hospital networks alongside the World Health
Organization.
Since the crisis started, the UAE has delivered over 80,000
tons of aid, with about 50 trucks entering Gaza daily, mostly carrying food.
The recent increase in aid volume through air and land has helped ease
commodity prices, according to Sultan Al Shamsi. The UAE also dispatched a ship
carrying more than 3,000 tons of additional aid supplies, showcasing its
commitment to sustaining humanitarian relief through all available channels.
Ongoing obstacles to aid delivery
Despite these large-scale efforts, aid delivery faces
numerous obstacles. Jordanian officials have reported repeated attacks on aid
convoys by illegal Israeli settlers, including stoning and damage to trucks
near Gaza crossings, slowing relief distribution. These incidents underscore
the precarious situation for aid agencies and highlight tensions surrounding
humanitarian access.
Furthermore, aid coordination is complicated by inspections,
customs fees, restricted crossing hours, and electronic permit systems that
cause delays in shipments. Nonetheless, both Jordan and the UAE remain resolute
in their commitment to continue providing life-saving assistance to
Palestinians in Gaza.
International reactions and humanitarian concerns
The international community continues to monitor the
humanitarian situation tightly, as aid agencies warn that limited quantities
are insufficient to meet the massive needs of Gaza’s 2 million residents. The
World Health Organization and other bodies emphasise the urgency of expanding
safe humanitarian access and delivering food, water, medical aid, and shelter
supplies.
In the face of these challenges, Jordan and the UAE’s
ongoing aid operations exemplify critical lifelines for Gaza’s Palestinian
population. Their combined land convoys and air drops, backed by international
cooperation, represent sustained efforts to mitigate the crisis despite
logistical, security, and political hurdles.