Charities Union: Kuwait Sent Over 50 Relief Flights Since October 2023 Under Fazaa For Palestine

(MENAFN- Kuwait News Agency (KUNA)) KUWAIT, Feb 5 (KUNA) -- The Kuwaiti Union of Charitable Societies and Foundations announced on Wednesday that Kuwait has sent more than 50 relief flights since October 2023 as part of the "Fazaa for Palestine" campaign, carrying medical, food, and shelter aid.
Additionally, three relief ships loaded with thousands of tons of essential supplies were dispatched to Gaza, alongside Kuwait's continued humanitarian efforts in Syria and Sudan.
Speaking at a press conference to highlight Kuwait's relief efforts, Union Chairman Saad Al-Otaibi stated that over 23 Kuwaiti charitable societies participated in the campaign, affirming that the relief planes "did not only carry humanitarian aid but also messages of solidarity from the Kuwaiti people to the people of Gaza, reaffirming Kuwait's unwavering support."
Al-Otaibi added that Kuwait's humanitarian efforts included sending the first relief ship in March 2024 from Turkiye, carrying 200 tons of essential food supplies, followed by a second Gaza-bound ship in April 2024 with 1,000 additional tons, and a third ship in August 2024 carrying 1,600 tons of food parcels and health supplies.
He noted that Kuwaiti trucks also crossed Jordanian territory carrying hundreds of tons of medical and relief supplies to reach Gaza, in continued efforts to provide necessities for affected residents.
Al-Otaibi emphasized that the aid was not limited to food and medical supplies; Kuwaiti medical teams, including consultants and surgeons, also entered Gaza through the Rafah crossing to provide healthcare services for the wounded and sick amid the ongoing humanitarian crisis.
On Syria, Al-Otaibi affirmed that Kuwait was among the first countries to provide humanitarian assistance, hosting four international donor conferences and mobilizing global support for Syrian refugees.
Kuwaiti charities have so far operated over 19 relief flights, transporting thousands of tons of aid to affected communities via Damascus, Beirut, and Amman airports.
Regarding Sudan, Al-Otaibi highlighted that Kuwait was among the earliest nations to respond, launching an air bridge carrying hundreds of tons of food and relief supplies, in addition to dispatching five ambulances to support emergency medical efforts.
Further, Al-Otaibi stressed that the Kuwaiti Union of Charitable Societies and Foundations acts as a coordinating umbrella for charities and relief organizations, ensuring synergy and maximum efficiency in delivering assistance to beneficiaries worldwide.
"Kuwait is not just a donor country; it is a role model for global humanitarian work. It embodies all values of mercy and solidarity by standing with vulnerable populations in their most challenging times," he added.
For his part, Ministry of Social Affairs representative Salmi Al-Mutairi stated at the conference that Kuwaiti charitable organizations have proven their capability in responding swiftly to crises and delivering immediate relief.
He emphasized the importance of strengthening partnerships between official and private entities to ensure aid reaches the maximum number of beneficiaries.
He further highlighted that the work of charities extends beyond emergency relief, as they actively support development projects that ensure long-term assistance for affected communities.
Palestinian Ambassador to Kuwait Rami Tahboub commended Kuwait's distinguished role in supporting the Palestinian people, affirming that Kuwait was "at the forefront of nations that rushed to aid Gaza," utilizing its air bridge and mobilizing its charities and institutions to assist those in need.
He also expressed gratitude to the Ministry of Defense and the Kuwaiti Air Force for operating over 50 planes carrying humanitarian relief, reflecting Kuwait's steadfast stance in supporting the Palestinian cause.
Similarly, Sudanese Ambassador to Kuwait Awad Balla emphasized that Kuwait has long been "a symbol of pure humanitarian work," noting that its support for Sudan has been ongoing for decades, providing humanitarian, educational, and medical assistance.
He stated that Kuwait launched an air bridge to Sudan in May 2023, operating over 35 relief flights carrying food, medicine, and shelter materials in coordination with the Kuwaiti Ministry of Defense, along with three relief ships sent by sea. (end)
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