21 UAE expatriates to cycle for Palestinians on Gaza Strip

The initiative, called Cycling4Gaza, is in its 11th edition and has 55 participants from across the world.

Twenty-one UAE expats will be cycling from Germany to Brussels, covering a 400km distance to raise awareness about the Gaza Strip.

The initiative, called Cycling4Gaza, is in its 11th edition and has 55 participants from across the world, including 21 UAE-based expats.

It's been 12 years since the blockade was imposed on Gaza Strip, with the majority of Palestinians becoming internally displaced refugees. More than 2,200 Palestinians, including 500 children, were killed and thousands of others injured in 2014. Until this day, many still struggle because of injuries and loss of their relatives and homes. 

According to the United Nations (UN), the 2014 events resulted in the largest internal displacement since 1967, with 17,800 homes destroyed or severely damaged.

"We will start cycling on August 28 and will finish on August 31 in front of the EU Parliament, to highlight the importance of the freedom of movement enjoyed by the residents and visitors of Europe, a stark contrast to those living under siege in Gaza," said Masa Milhem, one of the volunteers at Cycling4Gaza.

"We have been running for 10 years and have raised £1.5 million (Dh6.7 million) for various NGOs such as the Welfare Associated and Medical Aid for Palestinians. Last year, we raised £100,000 (Dh446,850) for the medical aid for Palestinians.

"This was done by focusing on three key areas - women empowerment, community rehabilitation, and mental health support."