Abu Dhabi (The Palestine Telegraph Newspaper) February 06, 2026 - The Saqr humanitarian ship has arrived at Egypt's Al Arish Port carrying more than 4,000 tonnes of aid from the United Arab Emirates for Gaza. The consignment includes essential food supplies, medical equipment, and shelter materials amid ongoing humanitarian needs in the region. Egyptian authorities coordinated the offloading process to facilitate swift transfer to Gaza through established land routes.
The Saqr, a vessel operated under the UAE's humanitarian initiatives, docked at Al Arish Port on the northern Sinai coast early Friday morning local time. Port officials confirmed receipt of the 4,200-tonne shipment, which comprises non-perishable food items, hygiene kits, and emergency medical provisions. This delivery marks one of the largest single consignments of UAE aid to reach the port since the escalation of the Gaza crisis.
Vessel Journey and Cargo Composition
The Saqr departed from the UAE port of Jebel Ali on January 28, traversing the Arabian Gulf, Red Sea, and Suez Canal before reaching Al Arish. According to statements from the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the cargo includes 2,500 tonnes of flour, rice, and canned goods; 1,000 tonnes of baby formula and nutritional supplements; and 700 tonnes of medical supplies such as antibiotics, bandages, and pain relief medication. Additional items encompass tents, blankets, and water purification tablets.
Egyptian Red Crescent representatives met the ship upon arrival, overseeing customs clearance under a streamlined protocol established for humanitarian shipments. Al Arish Port Authority Director General reported that cranes began unloading operations at 0800 GMT, with trucks lined up for immediate transport. The process adheres to international maritime and aid conventions, ensuring all goods pass security inspections.
Coordination Between UAE, Egypt, and Aid Agencies
The shipment's arrival follows high-level coordination between the UAE, Egyptian governments, and United Nations agencies. UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan directed the mission as part of the "Gallant Knight 3" operation, which has delivered over 50,000 tonnes of aid to Gaza since its launch. Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi commended the effort during a phone call with his UAE counterpart on Thursday.
UNICEF and the World Food Programme (WFP) confirmed their involvement in distribution once the aid crosses into Gaza via the Rafah and Kerem Shalom crossings. WFP spokesperson reported that the supplies will target 1.2 million residents facing acute food insecurity, as per the latest Integrated Food Security Phase Classification report. Egyptian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Ahmed Abu Zeid stated that security convoys will escort the trucks to border points.
Context of Ongoing Gaza Humanitarian Needs
Gaza has received intermittent aid deliveries through Al Arish since October 2023, when conflict intensified following Hamas attacks on Israel. The port has handled over 300,000 tonnes of international assistance to date, according to Egyptian logistics data. Recent weeks saw delays due to weather and security checks, but Friday's arrival proceeds on schedule.
The UAE's contribution aligns with its pledge of $100 million in annual aid to Palestine, channelled through multiple sea and air routes. Previous Saqr voyages in December 2025 delivered 3,800 tonnes, focusing on winterisation kits. This latest cargo addresses shortages exacerbated by winter storms and restricted access, as noted in UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) updates.
Offloading Operations and Distribution Logistics
At Al Arish, 150 trucks with a combined capacity of 2,000 tonnes waited to load the aid. Operations involve 200 port workers and 50 Egyptian army personnel for pallet handling. Satellite tracking from the International Maritime Organisation verified the Saqr's position at Berth 7, with full discharge expected by evening.
Once loaded, convoys depart in phases: medical aid first, followed by food staples. Rafah crossing, operational 12 hours daily, handles 250 trucks per day maximum. Kerem Shalom supplements with 150 trucks. Israeli Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories (COGAT) approved the shipment's contents in advance, per routine procedure.
Statements from Key Stakeholders
UAE Ambassador to Egypt, Mariam Al Kaabi, attended the docking ceremony, stating:
"This aid embodies the UAE's unwavering commitment to alleviating suffering in Gaza."
Egyptian Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly praised the partnership, noting Al Arish's role as a
"lifeline for Palestinians."
UN Secretary-General António Guterres welcomed the delivery via X, urging sustained access. Hamas officials in Gaza expressed gratitude, confirming readiness of local warehouses. Israeli Foreign Ministry acknowledged the shipment without further comment.
Historical Role of Al Arish Port in Aid Efforts
Al Arish, 50 kilometres from Gaza, emerged as primary aid hub after Ashdod Port restrictions. Since 2023, it processed shipments from 45 countries, including Qatar, Jordan, and Turkey. UAE ranks second in volume, behind Egypt's in-kind support.
Infrastructure upgrades in 2024 added four cranes and refrigerated storage for 5,000 tonnes. Annual throughput reached 450,000 tonnes in 2025, per Port Authority figures. Security features include drone surveillance and joint Egyptian-UN patrols.
Broader UAE Humanitarian Initiatives
Saqr Charity And Humanitarian Foundation Delivers 300 Tonnes Of Newborn Aid To Gaza As Part Of Operation Chivalrous Knight 3 - UrduPoint
The Saqr forms part of a fleet including Madfa and Baniyan ships, which airlifted 1,500 tonnes last month. UAE field hospital in Arish treats 2,000 patients weekly. "Knights of Gallantry 3" deployed 250 personnel, establishing bakeries producing 25,000 loaves daily.
Total UAE aid exceeds $2.1 billion since October 2023, funding water desalination and power generators. Partnerships with ICRC and MSF extend reach inside Gaza.
International Community's Response
Qatar committed matching funds post-arrival. Saudi Arabia dispatched a parallel convoy. European Union allocated €50 million for logistics. US Agency for International Development (USAID) provided $30 million in complementary supplies.
British Foreign Secretary David Lammy highlighted the delivery in Parliament, calling for "unhindered flow." France and Germany pledged additional medical teams.
On-Ground Impact Projections
OCHA estimates the 4,200 tonnes will feed 400,000 people for one week. Medical kits equip 50 clinics. Shelter materials house 10,000 displaced. Distribution covers northern Gaza first, then central and southern governorates.
Monitoring teams from donors track via GPS-tagged trucks. Final reports due within 72 hours.
Previous Deliveries and Future Plans
Saqr's prior trip on January 15 carried 3,200 tonnes, fully distributed by January 28. Next voyage scheduled February 12 with 5,000 tonnes. UAE plans air bridge resumption via Arish Airport.
Egypt eyes permanent aid corridor, pending agreements.