A Beacon of Joy in Deir el-Balah

On April 24, 2026, the city of Deir el-Balah in central Gaza became a scene of celebration as 300 couples tied the knot in a grand mass wedding ceremony. Held near the Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital roundabout, the event drew an estimated 20,000 attendees, including families, community leaders, and representatives from local and international organizations. Amid the strains of ongoing conflict, the gathering featured traditional Palestinian dabke dances, recitations from the Quran, official marriage announcements, and the resounding notes of both the UAE and Palestinian national anthems. This rare moment of festivity stood as a powerful symbol of resilience and hope for Gaza's youth.

The ceremony was meticulously organized, transforming a simple venue into a vibrant celebration space. Brides in elegant white gowns and grooms in traditional attire exchanged vows under a canopy of joy, their smiles lighting up faces weathered by hardship. For many, this was not just a wedding but a defiant affirmation of life continuing despite adversity.

Stories of Resilience and New Beginnings

Among the couples was Hamza and Asma, a blind duo whose love story captured hearts. 'Blessed are those who bring two hearts together in marriage,' Hamza shared, while Asma added, 'This joyful day marks the beginning of our life together. We thank the Khalifa Foundation for this wedding. Our hearts are filled with gratitude.' Their union highlighted how the event transcended physical challenges, fostering emotional bonds in a time of trial.

Fayez Al Namer, who lost both legs during the conflict, expressed shock and delight upon selection. 'I was surprised when they told me that I will be part of the wedding. My fiancee was shocked when I told her the good news,' he recounted. These personal narratives underscore the transformative power of the initiative, offering not only matrimony but also a sense of normalcy and future prospects.

Couples were chosen through a transparent draw from nearly 2,000 applicants registered in late February. Eligibility focused on permanent Gaza residents who were engaged, unmarried, and facing financial hurdles—criteria designed to target those most in need. Each pair received financial assistance, essential household items like furniture and appliances, plus pre-marital counseling and guidance to build stable homes.

Embedded in Operation Gallant Knight 3

This mass wedding forms part of the UAE's flagship humanitarian campaign, Operation Gallant Knight 3, launched in November 2023 in response to the escalating crisis in Gaza. The operation has delivered over 122,000 tons of aid via more than 10,000 trucks, including food, medical supplies, shelter materials, and winter clothing. It encompasses field hospitals, a floating hospital treating thousands, six water desalination plants in Egypt's Al-Arish for Gaza supply, and medical evacuations for nearly 3,000 patients and families.

The UAE remains the world's largest donor to Gaza, contributing 26.2% of total donations in Q1 2026 alone. Recent efforts include Dh2.7 million ($735,000) in medical aid, 100-tonne food air bridges, and massive ship convoys carrying 7,000+ tonnes of relief. For a detailed overview, see the Gulf News report on two years of aid.

• Medical: Floating hospital, convoys with equipment and drugs.
• Food and Shelter: Tens of thousands of tonnes distributed.
• Infrastructure: Desalination plants producing millions of liters daily.
• Social: Initiatives like mass weddings under 'Joy Dress 2' program.

Building on Precedents of Compassion

This is the second such event under Gallant Knight 3. In December 2025, 54 couples married in Khan Younis to mark the UAE's 54th National Day (Eid Al Etihad), attended by over 21,000. Funded similarly by the Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Foundation, it symbolized one couple per year of UAE union. These recurring efforts demonstrate sustained UAE focus on social cohesion.

Mass weddings are a cultural tradition in the region, pooling resources to overcome economic barriers. In Gaza, where costs can exceed average annual incomes, they promote community solidarity—a practice UAE aid amplifies.

Gaza's Marriage Landscape Amid War and Economic Strain

The conflict since October 2023 has devastated Gaza's economy, contracting 87% and pushing unemployment to 80-92%, poverty near universal. Wedding halls and hotels—93% destroyed—halted celebrations, with many postponing unions due to unaffordability and displacement. Pre-war, early marriages affected 20.3% of females; war has surged child marriages as families cope with desperation.

Explore UNFPA's analysis on child marriage surge in Gaza, highlighting pressures from poverty and violence.

Young couples face skyrocketing costs for venues, attire, and dowries amid hyperinflation. UAE's intervention alleviates this, enabling 600 individuals to start families, fostering stability in a population over 2 million largely displaced.

Cultural Resonance and Social Fabric

In Palestinian society, marriage signifies family continuity and community strength. Mass weddings, common historically, reduce burdens while uniting kin. The event's elements—dabke, anthems—reaffirm identity, with UAE flags waving symbolizing solidarity between brotherly nations.

Ali Al Shahi, head of UAE delegation in Gaza, stated: 'The initiative reflects the UAE’s commitment to supporting the people of Gaza and helping them navigate difficult circumstances.' Such gestures counter despair, promoting psychological resilience.

Ripple Effects on Community and Stability

• Social Stability: Marriage supports population renewal, vital post-losses (Gaza fatalities exceed 40,000).
• Economic Boost: Aid packages inject resources into local markets for goods/services.
• Youth Empowerment: Counseling equips for marital success amid trauma.
• Hope Amplification: 20,000 witnesses spread positivity.

By addressing marriage delays, UAE aids demographic health, countering war's toll on family formation.

UAE's Exemplary Humanitarian Leadership

UAE's aid transcends weddings: top global donor, operations like Gallant Knight 3 exemplify 'Giving from the Heart.' Leadership under Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan prioritizes vulnerable, from Gaza to global crises. For context on UAE's role, refer to The National's coverage.

Outlook: Sustained Support and Pathways to Peace

As ceasefire holds tenuously, UAE pledges continued aid, eyeing reconstruction. Mass weddings signal normalcy's return, urging international collaboration for Gaza's recovery—economy revival, infrastructure rebuild. UAE's model blends immediate relief with long-term stability, inspiring global action.

In UAE, this resonates with values of compassion, positioning the nation as peace bridge-builder in Middle East.

Photo by srihari kapu on Unsplash