A UAE humanitarian convoy consisting of 57 trucks laden with essential food items and medical supplies left the UAE heading for Gaza.

The aid convoy was sent by UAE Red Crescent Authority (RCA) as per the directives of UAE President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice-President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai and Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Abu Dhabi Crown Prince and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces.

The humanitarian initiative is being closely followed up by Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler's Representative in the Western Region and Chairman of the UAE Red Crescent Authority.

Chairman of the RCA's board Ahmed Humaid Al Mazroui said that 55 trucks are laden with food items while the other two trucks carry medicines and vital medical supplies.

"The convoy is not the first of its kind being sent to our brothers in Palestine, this is the fifth in a series of aid dispatches which comes under the humanitarian programme implemented by the Red Crescent under directives from the country's leadership to help the Palestinian people and improve their living conditions," said Al Mazroui.

He added that the current dispatch comes shortly ahead of the Holy month of Ramadan and includes large quantities of food and medical supplies.