LONDON: Bahrain’s King Hamad bin Isa Al-Khalifa has donated $8.5 million to a national campaign providing humanitarian aid to the Palestinian people in Gaza, Bahrain News Agency reported on Saturday.

Bahrain TV launched a telethon called “Day of Solidarity with Our People in Gaza — We Are with You” on Friday in cooperation with the Royal Humanitarian Foundation and the National Committee for Supporting the Palestinians in Gaza.

Sheikh Nasser bin Hamad Al-Khalifa, the king’s representative for humanitarian work and youth affairs, stated that this humanitarian initiative reflects the kingdom’s unwavering support for the just Palestinian cause, as well as King Hamad’s deep affection for the Palestinian people.

The sheikh reaffirmed that Bahrain’s solidarity with the Palestinian people in the face of their humanitarian crisis is grounded in Islamic teachings, longstanding Arab principles, and strong Bahraini-Palestinian relations.

Sheikh Nasser was the first to contribute to the national campaign, donating 100,000 dinars ($266,000), while Crown Prince Salman bin Hamad Al-Khalifa contributed 500,000 dinars.

RHF Secretary-General Dr. Mustafa Al-Sayed revealed that over $16 million was collected during Friday’s telethon, confirming that preparations are underway to deliver humanitarian and relief aid to Palestinians as soon as possible.

Al-Sayed also noted that donations can still be made through the official channels announced by the RHF.