Saudi Arabia Strengthens Gaza Relief as KSrelief Mobilizes Volunteer Aid
In a powerful display of humanitarian commitment, Saudi Arabia’s aid agency KSrelief has mobilized thousands of volunteers to prepare food baskets and shelter kits for Palestinians in the Gaza Strip. The initiative reflects both the Kingdom’s official relief efforts and the deep well of public compassion for those suffering in the conflict zone.
A Community-Driven Effort
Shalhoub bin Abdullah Al-Shalhoub, KSrelief’s director of media and public relations, described the initiative as a natural outgrowth of Saudi society’s charitable instincts. “There has been a popular campaign to support the Palestinian people, and this has given us the opportunity to launch the initiative to allow volunteers to help prepare the food baskets,” he told Arab News.
The scale of public response has been remarkable. KSrelief opened its volunteer portal three days ago, and more than 80,000 people have already registered. Anyone can sign up, choose a campaign or specialization, and contribute their time at the agency’s warehouse.
“As you can see behind me, it is a beautiful sight,” Al-Shalhoub said, gesturing to the volunteers at work. “Seeing these young men and women here fills us with pride. You can truly sense their enthusiasm and commitment to this humanitarian work.”
What Goes Into a Basket
Each food basket is carefully assembled to provide essential nutrition. Contents include:
- 7 kg of basmati rice
- Two bags of halva
- 10 cans of tuna
- 16 cans of fava beans
- Two large bottles of cooking oil
- 1 kg of salt
- 3 kg of sugar
- 15 cans of evaporated milk
- 1 kg of peanut butter
- A stock of cheese
These provisions join shelter kits and other supplies in a sustained relief pipeline that has been operating since the Gaza conflict began in October 2023.
The Broader Relief Effort
The food basket initiative is one component of a much larger operation. Al-Shalhoub detailed the scale of KSrelief’s commitment: 80 aircraft, eight ships, and 20 ambulances have been deployed to Gaza. Aid is organized across three main sectors: food security, health and medical assistance, and Ramadan programs and seasonal campaigns.
“During this period (Ramadan), we are also collecting donations as part of the Palestine Campaign, which has received a high level of contributions,” he added.
All aid enters Gaza through the Rafah crossing. Israel reopened the border with Egypt in early February to limited traffic after nearly two years of closure, providing a critical entry point for humanitarian supplies.
The Urgent Need
International organizations have painted a stark picture of conditions in Gaza. In August 2025, the World Health Organization, Food and Agriculture Organization, UN Children’s Fund, and World Food Programme jointly reported that half a million people in Gaza were trapped in famine. They called for an immediate ceasefire and “unhindered” humanitarian access.
The reported death toll from Israel’s war in Gaza has surpassed 70,000, with more than 171,000 injured. The World Peace Foundation reported in August 2025 that deaths from starvation and health-related causes had “without doubt” exceeded 10,000.
International pressure now focuses on increasing daily truck capacity and restoring fuel access. Aid continues but remains inconsistent, with numerous missions denied or impeded by Israeli authorities.
How to Help
For Saudis and others wishing to contribute, KSrelief’s volunteer portal remains open. The platform allows individuals to register, select a campaign, and participate directly in relief efforts. Al-Shalhoub framed the work in terms of national character: “We say to the Saudi people: You are naturally inclined toward goodness and charitable work. What we see today is one of the most inspiring humanitarian scenes embodied in this image behind me.”
Those interested in volunteering for the Palestine Campaign can register through KSrelief’s portal at volunteer.ksrelief.org/en.
A Sustained Commitment
The food basket initiative is not a one-time gesture but part of a sustained Saudi commitment to Gaza relief. Since October 2023, KSrelief has maintained a steady flow of aid, adapting to changing conditions and expanding capacity as needs have grown.
For the volunteers filling baskets in Riyadh, the work is personal. Each package they assemble will travel to Gaza, cross the reopened Rafah crossing, and reach families whose food supplies have been devastated by war. The contents are practical: rice, oil, tuna, cheese. But the message they carry is larger: in a time of immense suffering, someone has not forgotten.
As Al-Shalhoub put it, watching the volunteers at work: “This is one of the most inspiring humanitarian scenes.” It is also, for thousands of families in Gaza, a lifeline.
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