UAE carries out more aid air drops into Gaza as UN body declares famine

The UAE has carried out another aid air drop to the Gaza Strip, days after a UN-backed body declared famine in Gaza City and surrounding areas, adding that it is likely to spread.

The data released by the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) system confirmed that 514,000 people - close to a quarter of Palestinians in Gaza - are experiencing famine, with the number due to rise to 641,000 by the end of September.

The air drop, the 79th since the launch of Birds of Goodness initiative in November, 2023, has delivered essential food supplies, prepared with the support of Emirati charitable organisations and institutions. Total aid provided through the operation has surpassed 4,052 tonnes.

The latest air drop coincided with the UAE loading its ninth aid ship containing 7,000 tonnes of essential food supplies, with it set to head for Gaza in the coming days.

According to national news agency Wam, 697 aid trucks from the UAE, carrying humanitarian and medical aid, have entered Gaza between July 28 and August 23.