KUWAIT CITY, Oct 22: Kuwait’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Salem Abdullah Al-Jaber Al-Sabah announced, Sunday, the launch of relief operations through ‘Air Bridge to Palestinians in Gaza Strip’. Speaking to KUNA, Sheikh Salem stated that this initiative is in response to the call of the Palestinian people and as per directions of HH Amir Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, HH the Crown Prince Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah and HH the Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmad Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah.

This is an extension of Kuwait’s unwavering position by the Palestinian cause, and an attempt to alleviate suffering brought about by the Israeli occupation. The Kuwaiti Air Bridge launching on Monday and continuing on a daily basis this current week, consists of humanitarian relief planeloads carrying urgent supplies and medical necessities to the Gaza Strip through the Al-Arish area in the Sinai Peninsula in Egypt. Overseeing the initiative are the Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Defense, the Air Force, Health Ministry, and contributing to it are the Kuwait Red Crescent Society, Kuwait Relief Society and other humanitarian establishments.

Vice President of the Kuwait Red Crescent Society Anwar Al-Hasawi revealed that a plane is scheduled to take off today with 40 tons of medical, relief and food supplies, provided by the society and other charitable societies, in addition to three ambulances, one of which is from the society, for helping the Palestinian people. Al-Hasawi also revealed that another plane carrying 10 tons of medical and relief supplies will take off Tuesday. He said the society will continue to provide aid within the air bridge in response to the directives of the political leadership.

By Fares Al-Abdan
Al-Seyassah/Arab Times Staff and Agencies