By B Izzak & Agencies

KUWAIT: The first relief plane took off from Kuwait’s Abdullah Al-Mubarak airbase and arrived at Egypt’s Al-Arish Airport on Monday carrying humanitarian and medical aid for Palestinians in the Gaza Strip. Ministry of Social Affairs Spokesperson Ahmad Al-Enezi stated that these efforts are as per directions of political leadership and in cooperation with various state bodies and charitable organizations. Enezi stated that these planeloads would continue to deliver provisions to the Palestinian people in an affirmation of Kuwait’s stance in providing aid to people all over the globe.

Kuwait Red Crescent Society (KRCS) envoy Khaled Al-Zaid told KUNA the airplane is carrying various medical supplies, ambulances and essential needs required in these conditions. Zaid said the aircraft is loaded with 40 tons of aid from KRCS and Kuwait Society for Relief as per directions of Kuwait’s political leadership in response to the call of the Palestinian people in cooperation with the ministries of defense and foreign affairs.

Zaid mentioned there is direct coordination between the Egyptian and Palestinian Red Crescent Societies to facilitate the entrance of those supplies into the country. He added KRCS is the first to provide aid inside Gaza by distributing meals in shelters and by providing diesel from the local market to a number of hospitals. Zaid expressed his appreciation to donors in Kuwait, including citizens, residents, institutions and banks from the private sector, for their support towards KRCS’ efforts to relieve the Palestinian people who are being subjected to crimes against humanity committed by the Zionist occupation forces.

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On Sunday, Kuwait’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Salem Abdullah Al-Sabah announced the launch of relief operations through an air bridge in response to the call of the Palestinian people and as per directions of HH the 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 Al-Nawaf Al-Sabah.

The humanitarian air bridge launched by Kuwait to bring some 40 tons of aid to Palestinians in the Gaza Strip will last for five days, the country’s ambassador to Egypt Ghanim Al-Ghanim said on Monday. The initiative aims to “mitigate the misery” of Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, who have been the victims of “(Zionist) transgressions”, the envoy said, as he is overseeing the arrival of Kuwaiti aid at Arish airport.

The aid runs the gamut from essential food supplies to healthcare assistance, added the Kuwaiti diplomat, saying it was a testament to Kuwait’s “unflinching support” for the Palestinians. It is “incumbent” upon the international community to stand alongside the Palestinians at a time when the Zionist entity has stepped up its vicious attacks against them, he underlined.

Sheikh Salem said Monday official and civilian agencies are working together for the air bridge to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza. The foreign minister made the remark while briefing a Cabinet meeting on Kuwait’s humanitarian initiative to help Palestinians in the Gaza Strip. During the meeting, he reiterated the initiative, which reflected Kuwait’s principled and relentless stance on the Palestinian cause, was directed by HH the Amir, HH the Crown Prince and HH the Prime Minister. He added that the Kuwaiti air bridge would be overseen by the ministries of foreign affairs, defense and health and the air force, in collaboration with Kuwait Red Crescent Society, Kuwait Relief Society and other humanitarian charities.

Meanwhile, the National Assembly’s foreign relations committee has debated over two days a draft law that would ban any dealing or normalization of ties with the Zionist entity. The draft law for banning normalization of ties with the Zionist entity also bans dealing with Western and international companies that have links with the Zionist entity. In addition, the draft law also bans residents of Kuwait from sympathizing with the Zionist entity.

Foreign Minister Sheikh Salem attended deliberations of the committee on Sunday and Monday. A final decision of the panel was expected late Monday after it gave its green light the previous day. The National Assembly, which opens its new term on Oct 31, is scheduled to hold a special session the following day to debate Zionist attacks on Palestinians and is expected to approve the draft law banning ties with the Zionist entity.