Pakistan sends 100 tons of tents to Gaza in 28th relief consignment

WEB DESK: Pakistan on Monday dispatched a special flight carrying 100 tons of tents to support the people of Gaza, marking the country’s 28th humanitarian relief consignment for Palestinians since 2023. The shipment was sent from Allama Iqbal International Airport in Lahore to Egypt’s Al-Arish city for onward delivery to Gaza, with assistance from the Pakistani charity Alkhidmat Foundation, the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) said.

The relief goods were formally handed over in a ceremony attended by Punjab Housing Minister Mian Bilal Yaseen, senior NDMA officials, representatives from Pakistan’s foreign ministry, and Alkhidmat Foundation members. According to the NDMA, the total volume of humanitarian aid sent by Pakistan to Palestine through these 28 consignments has now reached 2,727 tons.

“The government and people of Pakistan stand firmly with the people of Palestine during this difficult time and will continue to support their humanitarian needs,” the NDMA said in a statement.

The dispatch comes shortly after Israel permitted the limited reopening of the Rafah crossing with Egypt on February 2, the only access point to Gaza that does not pass through Israeli territory. The crossing had been closed for nearly two years following Israeli control during the conflict with Hamas. The reopening has been long demanded by the United Nations and aid organizations and forms a key part of international efforts to alleviate Gaza’s humanitarian crisis.

Pakistan has repeatedly condemned Israel’s actions in Gaza, which have claimed over 70,000 Palestinian lives, including women and children, since October 7, 2023. Islamabad is also part of the newly formed Board of Peace, a global initiative under US President Donald Trump aimed at resolving the Gaza conflict and other international disputes.