RIYADH: Saudi Arabia sent three ambulances to Egypt on Friday as part of preparations to transport injured Palestinians from the war-torn Gaza Strip.
The ambulances are part of a fleet of 20 emergency vehicles scheduled to arrive via El-Arish International Airport, the Saudi Press Agency reported. The Kingdom has so far sent nine relief planes for the Palestinians in Gaza.
Saudi Arabia has been sending humanitarian relief supplies and emergency vehicles on the directives of King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman as a symbol of support for the Palestinian people, particularly those in Gaza.
The UN World Food Programme has warned that the entire population of Gaza faces food shortages and healthcare inadequacy after Israel imposed a siege on the Palestinian enclave as it continues to battle Hamas militants.
“Supplies of food and water are practically non-existent in Gaza and only a fraction of what is needed is arriving through the borders,” Cindy McCain, WFP executive director, said in a statement.
“With winter fast approaching, unsafe and overcrowded shelters, and the lack of clean water, civilians are facing the immediate possibility of starvation.”
Food supplies transported by trucks from Egypt through the Rafah border crossing have not reached civilians in shelters because of insufficient fuel for distribution vehicles, as Israel has allowed only limited diesel fuel deliveries for UN aid distribution trucks.
