A Jordanian Armed Forces-led airlift operation has delivered the “largest” humanitarian supply airdrop for Gaza since war broke out between Hamas and Israel last year.
The mission coincided with Eid al-Fitr and included 14 deliveries of food, clothing, sweets, and toys for children.
The team shipped the assistance to northern and southern parts of the strip in two batches, according to Amman-based news agency Roya.
Alongside Jordan’s aircraft, the first wave incorporated a combined fleet from Indonesia, the UAE, and Egypt.
The second involved another Jordanian aircraft and eight cargo planes from the Netherlands, the UK, Germany, France, and the US.
Many supplies were produced by the Jordanian Hashemite Charity Organization in addition to donations from international partners.
‘Avoid’ More Crisis
Under the latest airdrop mission, the British government flew an A400M Atlas transport aircraft from Brize Norton base in Oxfordshire.
The plane carried more than 10 tons of aid, increasing the country’s total donation to 53 tons of supplies shipped on six flights to Gaza, including one in early April.
“After six months of war in Gaza, the toll on civilians continues to grow,” a statement from the UK Ministry of Defence said.
“We continue to stand by Israel’s right to defeat the threat from Hamas terrorists, who have failed the people of Gaza and hide behind civilians. This terrible conflict must end. The hostages must be released and the aid must flood in.”
“We continue to push Israel as hard as we can to get more aid across the border and delivered throughout the region. Words must turn into action – this is essential to avoid an even more severe humanitarian crisis.”
US Donations Reach Almost 800 Tons
Meanwhile, the US contributed aid using four C-130 Hercules transport aircraft. It shipped more than 50,600 American meal-equivalent food packages to the area.
The latest drop brings the country’s humanitarian donation to the strip to approximately 797 tons (723,000) kilograms.
“The [Department of Defense] humanitarian airdrops contribute to ongoing US and partner-nation government efforts to alleviate human suffering,” the US Central Command said.
“These airdrops are part of a sustained effort, and we continue to plan follow-on aerial deliveries.”