KUWAIT: Rahma International Society has launched the first phase of its emergency shelter project by dispatching relief trucks carrying tents to the Gaza Strip, as part of its ongoing efforts to support displaced and affected families. Director General of the Society Dr Issa Al-Dhafeeri told Kuwait News Agency (KUNA) on Monday that the initial phase includes the distribution of around 3,000 tents, in addition to 1,000 latrines, in cooperation with the Egyptian Red Crescent.
He said the assistance comes at a critical time, amid heavy rainfall and severe cold weather, with the aim of providing a minimum level of protection and preserving human dignity. Al-Dhafeeri noted that the project seeks to spare thousands of displaced people from sleeping in the open after losing their homes and basic necessities. He stressed that shelter projects have become a top priority at this stage due to the worsening humanitarian situation and the rapidly growing needs on the ground.
He added that the Society is working to expand the scope of its relief response to reach the largest possible number of affected families. These efforts, he explained, complement a series of relief initiatives recently implemented by Rahma International in Gaza, including the distribution of meals under the “100,000 Meals” campaign, which targeted displaced persons and vulnerable families to help alleviate hunger amid the harsh conditions. Al-Dhafeeri reaffirmed that Rahma International will continue to fulfill its humanitarian duty to stand by the people of the Gaza Strip and exert every effort to ease their suffering under these exceptional circumstances. He also expressed his appreciation to generous donors and to Kuwaiti official bodies for their support and facilitation of the Society’s humanitarian mission.
Al-Nouri, UNICEF ink deal
In another development, Sheikh Abdullah Al-Nouri Charity Association has signed a cooperation agreement with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) to support children in the Gaza Strip with a contribution of $1 million, amid a sharp deterioration in humanitarian conditions and severe shortages of food and medicine. Chairman of the Association’s Board of Directors Jamal Al-Nouri told Kuwait News Agency (KUNA) on Monday that the agreement comes in response to the worsening humanitarian situation in Gaza, which has had a particularly devastating impact on children, including those with disabilities, who are bearing the brunt of the crisis.
Al-Nouri said the association is committed to implementing its agreements with UN agencies, viewing them as strategic partners capable of delivering aid inside the Strip efficiently despite difficult access conditions. Cooperation with UNICEF, he explained, will help ensure the delivery of food and medical assistance to the most vulnerable groups. Under the agreement, specialized food supplies will be provided to around 25,000 children, while health and medical services at primary healthcare centers will be supported to benefit nearly 200,000 children, strengthening the health sector’s ability to cope with the current challenges.
He affirmed that the association remains open to cooperation with all entities capable of delivering aid to those suffering in Gaza, stressing its readiness to enter into international partnerships and joint agreements with local organizations operating in the field, in line with regulations set by the Ministries of Social Affairs and Foreign Affairs. Al-Nouri noted that the association has been active in Gaza since the onset of the crisis, implementing a range of food, health and relief programs aimed at supporting the most vulnerable families.
He expressed gratitude to supporters and benefactors in Kuwait, whose contributions have played a vital role in sustaining these humanitarian efforts. He also praised the continued support of the Ministry of Social Affairs and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for charitable organizations, describing it as a key pillar in enabling Kuwaiti humanitarian work and strengthening its global presence, reflecting Kuwait’s longstanding reputation as a leading nation in humanitarian aid and relief. — KUNA
