UAE, Israel agree on delivery of urgent humanitarian aid to Gaza

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has reached an agreement with Israel to facilitate the delivery of urgent humanitarian aid to Gaza.

This agreement comes amidst growing international pressure on Israel, following a renewed military offensive in Gaza by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government, Caliber.Az reports per foreign media.

The European Union's top diplomat, Kaja Kallas, stated on May 20 that the EU would review its trade agreement with Israel in response to the "catastrophic" situation unfolding in Gaza.

The deal was finalized during a phone call between UAE Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed and Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar. Under the agreement, humanitarian assistance will be sent to Gaza, initially targeting the food needs of approximately 15,000 civilians. The aid package will also include vital supplies for bakeries and critical items for infant care, addressing some of the most urgent needs in the region.

In related developments, on May 20, a spokesperson for the UN humanitarian office in Geneva confirmed that Israel had granted permission for about 100 aid trucks to enter Gaza. However, this comes against the backdrop of Israel's intensified military operations against Hamas. Israel aims to gain full control over Gaza, which has been devastated by air and ground assaults since the October 2023 Hamas-led attack on Israeli communities.

In the past eight days, Israeli airstrikes have reportedly killed more than 500 people, according to Gaza-based medics. Meanwhile, Israel has blocked the entry of essential medical, food, and fuel supplies into Gaza since March. This blockade has raised alarms among international experts, who have warned that a severe famine could be imminent in Gaza. Nonetheless, some humanitarian trucks were permitted to cross into Gaza on May 19, signaling a potential shift in the blockade.

By Vafa Guliyeva