In a significant diplomatic development, Israel and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have reached an agreement to facilitate the delivery of urgent humanitarian aid to the besieged Gaza Strip, where a worsening humanitarian crisis has left millions in desperate need.
The decision was confirmed following a high-level phone conversation between Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the UAE’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, and Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar.
The agreement marks a rare moment of cooperation amid rising regional tensions and follows weeks of international outcry over the dire conditions in Gaza.
According to officials, the first phase of the aid operation will focus on the delivery of essential supplies, particularly items necessary for infant care, as well as goods to support the reopening and operation of Gaza’s few remaining bakeries. The initiative is expected to immediately benefit around 15,000 civilians.
The breakthrough comes amid a new wave of Israeli military offensives. On Monday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared that Israel would “take control of all” of Gaza, intensifying fears of further displacement and hardship in an already ravaged enclave.
Since the beginning of March, Israel has imposed a tight blockade on aid entering Gaza, prompting sharp criticism from humanitarian groups and international bodies.
Despite announcing that limited aid would be permitted, Israel has faced growing condemnation for its restrictions on deliveries.
The World Health Organization and United Nations have repeatedly warned that two million Palestinians are at risk of starvation, citing delays and restrictions that have left “tonnes of food blocked at the border, just minutes away” from those in need.
The humanitarian crisis has drawn the attention of global leaders, including U.S. President Donald Trump, who acknowledged the severity of the situation during a recent tour of Gulf nations. “A lot of people are starving,” Trump said, promising that “we’re going to get that taken care of.”
The UAE, which normalized relations with Israel in 2020 under the Abraham Accords, has previously expressed concern about the humanitarian toll in Gaza.
The latest agreement is being viewed as a diplomatic effort to use those ties to alleviate suffering and open humanitarian channels amid an increasingly volatile conflict.
No timeline has yet been shared for the full rollout of the aid operation, but logistics are reportedly being coordinated to ensure safe and efficient delivery.
It remains to be seen whether this move will pave the way for broader cooperation on humanitarian issues or whether it will remain a one-time exception to a tightening blockade.
As the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza continues to escalate, international pressure is mounting on Israel to ease restrictions and allow unhindered access to essential supplies.
The agreement with the UAE offers a glimmer of hope, but aid agencies caution that much more is needed to avert full-scale famine and health collapse in the territory.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members