DUBAI: The Emirates Red Crescent (ERC) has announced that it will extend its humanitarian relief programme in Gaza to support the Palestinian people during Ramadan, Emirates News Agency reported on Monday.

The ERC has allocated  AED 3 million ($817,000) to purchase food supplies for the Iftar project, including rice, wheat, sugar, beans, among others, sourced from Egypt. These provisions are set to sustain 28 community kitchens and 10 bakeries across Gaza.

A fleet of 16 trucks, carrying 336 tonnes of food aid, has embarked on its journey from Cairo towards Al Arish, preparing to enter Gaza.

"The dispatch of the aid convoy comes within the framework of the keenness of the UAE's wise leadership to stand with the Palestinians in Gaza during the ordeal they are going through, and to alleviate their suffering by meeting their basic needs,” ERC Secretary-General Rashid Mubarak Al Mansouri.

Additionally, ERC teams are in the process of loading the third cargo ship with aid and food parcels. This ship, directed by Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairman of the ERC, will transport 4,500 tonnes of food supplies, 3,000 tents, and clothing for Eid.

Earlier on Sunday, UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al-Nahyan met with Erin Gore, CEO of US charity World Central Kitchen, to discuss bolstering cooperation to improve aid delivery to Gaza amid the ongoing humanitarian catastrophe.

Meanwhile, 98 Palestinians from Gaza who were critically in need of medical treatment for severe injuries, burns, and cancer, were flown to Abu Dhabi on Saturday, accompanied by 58 family members.