300 Couples Celebrate Mass Wedding in Gaza with UAE Support

A significant mass wedding took place in central Gaza on April 24, marking the union of 300 couples, all made possible through support from the United Arab Emirates' humanitarian initiative, “Gallant Knight 3.”

Organized under the “Joy Dress 2” program, this event aims to assist young individuals in overcoming financial hurdles as they embark on their marital journey.

Drawing an audience of approximately 20,000, the ceremony was attended by families, local leaders, and representatives from both domestic and international organizations. This gathering was noted as one of the most extensive mass weddings ever held in Gaza.

Couples were chosen from a pool of numerous applicants who registered in February, with selection criteria emphasizing those who had not previously married and needed financial support.

Beyond the wedding rituals, the initiative also provided various financial and material support to help the couples establish their new homes, covering key wedding costs and basic necessities.

The occasion featured recitations from the Quran, formal marriage declarations, and traditional Palestinian cultural displays, including the vibrant dabke dance. The atmosphere was further enriched by the anthems of both the UAE and Palestine.

Officials highlighted that this event exemplifies the continuous humanitarian assistance in Gaza through the “Gallant Knight 3” program, which has been delivering outreach since the onset of the ongoing conflict in October 2023. This was the second mass wedding facilitated under this initiative.

Participants described the day as a beacon of hope and joy, especially for those couples who have endured displacement, injury, or financial struggles leading up to their wedding.