The United Arab Emirates has sponsored a mass wedding for 250 Palestinian couples in Gaza, offering hundreds of newlyweds a moment of jubilation 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 territory. 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.

Dr Anwar Gargash, the UAE’s diplomatic adviser to President Sheikh Mohamed, 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.

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

According to the report of the figures released by the Emirates News Agency, the operation has delivered more than 136,000 tonnes of aid which worths $4.16bn.

The UAE said its contribution accounted for about 46 percent 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.