The 97th Saudi relief plane, operated by the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center, arrived at El Arish International Airport in Egypt, en route to deliver its cargo to those affected in the Gaza Strip. This ongoing aid comes in implementation of the directives of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and His Royal Highness Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, Prime Minister, as part of the popular campaign to aid the brotherly Palestinian people in the Gaza Strip.
The plane carried a massive shipment of diverse relief supplies, including food, medical supplies, and shelter materials, aimed at alleviating the humanitarian suffering endured by the residents of the Gaza Strip due to the current circumstances. The arrival of this plane is a continuation of the Saudi air bridge that has been operating continuously since the outbreak of the crisis, reflecting the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's unwavering commitment to supporting humanitarian causes in the region.
The context of the Saudi air bridge and its pivotal role
The Saudi airlift is one of the largest relief operations currently underway in the Gaza Strip. Saudi efforts are not limited to air transport alone, but are complemented by massive logistical efforts on the ground in coordination with the Egyptian Red Crescent to ensure the passage of aid through the Rafah crossing and its distribution to those in need. The King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center has successfully dispatched dozens of aircraft carrying thousands of tons of aid, in addition to establishing a parallel maritime bridge to further enhance the flow of assistance.
The strategic and humanitarian importance of aid
This aid is of paramount importance given the UN's ongoing warnings about the deteriorating food and health situation in Gaza. The medical supplies provided will bolster the Strip's crumbling healthcare system, while the food and shelter materials offer a lifeline to displaced families. This swift and sustained Saudi response reflects the deep fraternal ties between the Saudi and Palestinian peoples and underscores the Kingdom's leading role in international humanitarian work.
The Kingdom's historical position
This support is not a recent development, but rather an extension of a long history of standing with the Palestinian people through various hardships and crises. These initiatives reaffirm that the Palestinian cause is at the heart of Saudi foreign policy, not only politically and diplomatically, but also in the humanitarian and relief spheres, thus strengthening the resilience of the Palestinian people in the face of the formidable challenges they confront.
