The United Arab Emirates has sponsored a mass wedding for 250 Palestinian couples in Gaza, offering hundreds of newlyweds a moment of celebration amid the destruction, displacement and economic hardship caused by the war.

The ceremony, held on Friday at the Gaza City beachfront, was organised by the UAE’s Operation Gallant Knight 3, according to a report by UAE-based newspaper The National, published on Saturday.

The event brought together brides and grooms from different parts of the enclave. The women wore wedding gowns and carried bouquets, while the men appeared in dark suits, with some wearing traditional keffiyeh scarves.

Many of the couples had postponed their weddings because of the war, displacement and financial difficulties that have made it increasingly difficult for young Palestinians to afford marriage ceremonies.

The UAE’s diplomatic adviser to President Sheikh Mohamed, Dr Anwar Gargash, said the event reflected his country’s continued humanitarian commitment to Gaza.

“Gaza and its people remain at the heart of the UAE’s humanitarian efforts despite the world’s many crises,” Gargash was quoted as saying on Saturday.

He added that humanitarian assistance was not limited to easing suffering but also included efforts to “bring back a smile and revive hope for a better tomorrow”.

The wedding came as the UAE marked three years of Operation Gallant Knight 3, its humanitarian mission to Gaza, which was launched on November 5, 2023.

The report said the operation has delivered more than 136,000 tonnes of aid valued at $4.16bn, according to figures released by the Emirates News Agency.

The UAE said its contribution accounted for about 46 per cent of international humanitarian assistance reaching the Palestinian territory.

The aid programme includes food, medical supplies, shelter and other forms of support for residents affected by the conflict.