The German armed forces, Bundeswehr, initiated a humanitarian aid drop over the Gaza Strip on Friday. According to a midday announcement from the Foreign Ministry, two Luftwaffe flights successfully delivered 34 pallets containing approximately 14 tons of food and medical supplies provided by the Jordanian Hashemite Charity Organization (JHCO).
The operation follows a call from King Abdullah II of Jordan, who recently appealed to the international community for renewed support for a coordinated air bridge aimed at alleviating the humanitarian situation for civilians in Gaza.
“For many people – including many children – it’s about sheer survival” stated Defense Minister Boris Pistorius. He emphasized that the air drops represent a limited contribution to meeting the urgent needs of those affected and underscored the need for Israel to ensure comprehensive humanitarian assistance for the population suffering in Gaza for months.
Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul echoed the point, stressing that the air bridge is not intended as a replacement for established land delivery routes managed by experienced UN organizations. “We are working intensively to re-establish these vital land routes” he added, reiterating that only through land-based delivery can sufficient aid reach the population.
Prior to the commencement of the operation, humanitarian organizations voiced concerns regarding the limited scope of the air drop, with some estimating the total volume of aid delivered could be accommodated within a single truck. The German government maintains that land routes remain the primary channel for significant humanitarian aid delivery.