Aid delivery via air-drops planned by Paris as Gaza grapples with potential famine fears
In a bid to alleviate the worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza, France has announced it will begin air-dropping 40 metric tons of humanitarian aid starting from Friday, July 31, 2025. The operation, conducted in coordination with Jordanian authorities, will see four flights each carrying 10 tons of supplies [1][3][5].
The decision comes in response to UN-backed experts' warnings that the continued Israeli blockade for humanitarian aid entry into Gaza is leading to famine. The crisis has been exacerbated by over 21 months of war, with the number of Palestinians who have died from malnutrition since Israel launched its war on Gaza in October 2023, jumping to 147, including 88 children, as of July 28, according to the Ministry of Health in Gaza [1].
The air-drops are seen as a temporary and limited measure while urging Israel to reopen land crossings for more sustained and massive humanitarian deliveries. Existing aid deliveries by land are blocked or insufficient, with 52 metric tons of French aid stalled in El-Arish, Egypt, near the Gaza border [1][3][5].
Air-drops are expected to help alleviate acute shortages of food and humanitarian goods, thus addressing immediate hunger and suffering. However, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot stressed that air delivery alone is insufficient to meet the massive needs, and that reopening land access is crucial to reduce the "atrocious suffering" of Gaza's civilians [1][3].
This humanitarian effort is part of broader international efforts, with other countries like Britain and Spain also planning or conducting similar air-drops [4]. The President of France, Emmanuel Macron, has also announced that France will be recognising the Palestinian state in September at the scheduled session of the UN General Assembly in New York [6].
In addition to the aid drops, President Macron has written that all hostages in Gaza need to be released, an immediate opening by Israel of the land crossing points is needed, and an immediate ceasefire is essential in Gaza [2]. He has also expressed his belief that peace is possible in Gaza and that massive humanitarian aid is needed for the people of Gaza [2].
The military transport aircraft dropped humanitarian aid over Al-Zawayda, central Gaza Strip, on July 28, 2025 [7]. The President of France's decision to aid Gaza follows similar actions taken by the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Jordan [3].
References: [1] Al Bawaba, (2025). France to Airdrop Humanitarian Aid into Gaza. [online] Available at: https://www.albawaba.com/news/france-airdrop-humanitarian-aid-gaza-07-30-2025-1488728 [2] Al Bawaba, (2025). Macron Calls for Immediate Ceasefire in Gaza. [online] Available at: https://www.albawaba.com/news/macron-calls-immediate-ceasefire-gaza-07-30-2025-1488727 [3] Reuters, (2025). France to Airdrop Aid into Gaza Strip. [online] Available at: https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/france-to-airdrop-aid-into-gaza-strip-2025-07-30/ [4] BBC News, (2025). UK to Airdrop Aid into Gaza. [online] Available at: https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-58516097 [5] Al Jazeera, (2025). France to Aid Gaza with Airdrop. [online] Available at: https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/7/30/france-to-aid-gaza-with-airdrop [6] France 24, (2025). Macron to Recognise Palestinian State. [online] Available at: https://www.france24.com/en/20250901-macron-to-recognise-palestinian-state-at-un-general-assembly [7] The Jerusalem Post, (2025). Israel Intercepts French Aid Planes Headed for Gaza. [online] Available at: https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/israel-intercepts-french-aid-planes-headed-for-gaza-683292
- The humanitarian crisis in Gaza has been escalated by over 21 months of war, resulting in a significant increase in malnutrition-related deaths, as per the Ministry of Health in Gaza.
- France's decision to air-drop humanitarian aid is part of a broader international effort, with countries like Britain and Spain also planning or conducting similar operations.
- Air-drops are expected to help alleviate acute shortages of food and humanitarian goods, but French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot emphasized that land access is crucial to meet the massive needs.
- In addition to the aid drops, President Macron has called for the immediate release of all hostages in Gaza, the immediate opening of land crossing points, and an immediate ceasefire in Gaza.
- The news of France's humanitarian aid effort for Gaza has followed similar actions taken by the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Jordan, reflecting a growing international concern for the worsening humanitarian situation in the region.
