The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced on 1/8 that aircraft from Jordan, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Spain, Germany, and France airdropped 126 pallets of food into northern and southern Gaza Strip. This was the first such operation by Jordan, Egypt, and the UAE in over a year.
The IDF stated that the operation was directed by political leaders and was part of a collaborative effort between Israel and the six countries. The IDF emphasized its ongoing efforts to improve the humanitarian situation in Gaza.
"We will continue working with the international community to improve the humanitarian situation in Gaza and reject false claims that Israel is intentionally causing famine in the territory," the IDF said.
Israeli media reported this was the largest aid drop since the international community began increasing efforts to provide assistance to Gaza.
French President Emmanuel Macron confirmed France's first aid drop to Gaza and thanked partners Jordan, the UAE, and Germany. "Airdrops are not enough. Israel needs to open all humanitarian routes to prevent famine," he said.
The French Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ministry of Defense issued a joint statement saying several tons of food would be delivered to Gaza in the coming days. "France is implementing land transport, currently the most effective solution for consistently delivering large quantities of aid to the people," the statement said.
Earlier this week, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot stated that France would deliver 40 tons of food aid to Gaza starting 31/7.
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Humanitarian aid being airdropped into Khan Younis in southern Gaza Strip on 1/8. Photo: AP |
On 27/7, Israel announced the resumption of aid deliveries to Gaza amid growing international pressure over the spreading famine in the territory.
The IDF has restricted aid into Gaza for months. According to local health officials, dozens of Palestinians have died from malnutrition in recent weeks. At least 154 people have died from this cause since the start of the conflict, including 89 children.
Pham Giang (Theo AFP, Times of Israel)
