The couples were selected from a draw of nearly 2,000 people, according to multiple reports. The weddings were funded by the Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan Foundation as part of the UAE's Operation Gallant Knight 3 humanitarian initiative. The ceasefire in Gaza has been in place since last October but remains fragile.
The Gaza war was triggered by the Hamas-led attack on southern Israel on 7 October 2023, which killed about 1,200 people and took 251 hostages. Israel responded with a military campaign in Gaza, during which more than 72,560 people have been killed, according to Gaza's health ministry. On 23 April, at least eight Palestinians, including three children, were killed in two Israeli strikes in Gaza, according to medics and first responders. The Israeli military said it targeted a terrorist who approached troops near the Yellow Line and posed an immediate threat. A Hamas spokesman condemned what he described as a horrific massacre and accused Israel of undermining ceasefire efforts.
The celebration was bringing 'hope for change' for displaced Gazans.
According to BBC News - World, bride Thekra al-Masri described the celebration as bringing hope for change for displaced Gazans.