The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has sponsored a mass wedding ceremony for 250 Palestinian couples in the Gaza Strip, bringing moments of joy and hope to hundreds of people affected by the devastating consequences of the ongoing conflict.
The ceremony, held on Friday along the Gaza City beachfront, was organised through the UAE's humanitarian initiative, Operation Gallant Knight 3.
The event featured 250 couples from different parts of Gaza, with brides dressed in traditional white wedding gowns and carrying bouquets, while grooms appeared in dark suits, with some wearing Palestinian keffiyeh scarves.
Many of the couples had been unable to celebrate their marriages because of the war, which has caused widespread displacement, destruction and economic difficulties, making wedding ceremonies financially difficult for many families.
Dr Anwar Gargash, diplomatic adviser to UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, said the initiative reflected his country's continued commitment to supporting Palestinians.
He stressed that humanitarian assistance should go beyond providing food, medicine and shelter, adding that restoring happiness and hope among people affected by the conflict was equally important.
The ceremony also coincided with the third anniversary of Operation Gallant Knight 3, launched on November 5, 2023, to provide humanitarian assistance to Palestinians affected by the war.
According to figures published by the Emirates News Agency, the UAE's humanitarian operation has delivered more than 136,000 tonnes of relief materials valued at approximately $4.16 billion.
The UAE government said its contributions accounted for about 46 per cent of international humanitarian assistance delivered to the Palestinian territory.
The relief programme covers food supplies, medical equipment, shelter materials and other essential support for displaced and vulnerable Palestinians.
Despite the difficult circumstances in Gaza, the mass wedding provided hundreds of couples and their families with an opportunity to celebrate love, marriage and new beginnings.
Tags
World News