The UAE organised wedding ceremonies in Gaza this week for 54 Palestinian couples, offering a brief moment of relief in a territory still struggling with the effects of a two-year war. The events were held in Khan Younis on Tuesday and were part of the Emirates’ Eid Al Etihad activities marking the country’s 54th National Day.
The program was open to engaged Palestinians who permanently live in the Gaza Strip. According to organizers, 577 couples applied, with 54 selected for the mass ceremony. Local officials described the weddings as an effort to provide a sense of normal life in a community that has experienced years of loss and strained living conditions.
The UAE has maintained support for Gaza throughout the war by Israel. Under Operation Chivalrous Knight 3, the country has sent more than 8,700 lorries loaded with over 1.6 million aid parcels through more than 250 convoys. The supplies include food, medical items and other essentials aimed at easing pressure on civilians.
A ceasefire brokered by the United States came into effect in October. While the agreement raised expectations for a reduction in violence, Gaza’s humanitarian situation remains severe. More than two million people remain displaced, facing food shortages, limited medical care and restricted access to aid.