Germany initiates airborne relief missions to Gaza Strip
Germany Resumes Aid Flights to Gaza Amid Worsening Crisis
Germany is resuming aid flights to the Gaza Strip to provide much-needed humanitarian relief amid a worsening crisis. The decision comes as a response to the severe humanitarian deterioration caused by the ongoing conflict and blockade in the region.
Chancellor Friedrich Merz emphasized that although the aid might only represent a small contribution, it is an important signal of Germany's presence and commitment to helping civilians in Gaza. The operation is being carried out jointly with Jordan, with logistical support from the Jordanian military, and coordinated with France and the United Kingdom.
The aid actions by the German Armed Forces, including the drops of food and medical equipment, are ongoing. Two aircraft loaded with supplies are stationed on a military base in Jordan for the airlift missions. The German government is providing additional financial aid for the UN World Food Programme, amounting to five million euros.
The aid will support bakeries and soup kitchens to provide long-term food and warm meals to the people in Gaza. Foreign Minister Wadephul did not rule out the possibility that some aid could be diverted by Hamas, but emphasized the need to let in as many food and aid supplies as possible to prevent misuse.
However, the airlift is seen as a vital emergency response while additional, more sustainable aid deliveries (including those requiring Israeli cooperation) are pursued. Merz also called on Israel to take further measures to improve the humanitarian situation beyond the initial steps recently allowed.
The Gaza war, which began with an attack by Hamas and other Islamic terrorist organizations on Israel on October 7, 2023, has resulted in around 1,200 deaths and over 250 hostages in the Gaza Strip. The Hamas-controlled health authority announced that 60,034 Palestinians have died in the past nearly 22 months, with a further 145,870 reportedly injured.
Israel controls access to the Gaza Strip and has restricted aid deliveries for several months. Aid flights cannot replace land deliveries, as only land can provide sufficient aid supplies to the people. Defense Minister Boris Pistorius states that the aid flights can only contribute a small part to the needs in Gaza, where there is a lack of food and medicine.
The Israeli government has been appealed to by Germany in relation to a video of a German-Israeli hostage in Gaza that has been published. The German government is also financing a field hospital of the Order of Malta in Gaza City. The Gaza Strip is on the brink of famine, according to UN reports. Aid workers warn that the dropped supplies can injure or kill people on the ground in densely populated areas like Gaza.
Despite acknowledged concerns about the limited effectiveness and safety of such operations, Germany is proceeding with aid flights to Gaza to address urgent civilian needs and to demonstrate international engagement despite the operation's limitations and safety challenges, which stem from the complex geopolitical and security situation in the area.
The community policy of Germany involves cooperation with Jordan, France, and the United Kingdom, aiming to provide humanitarian aid to Gaza amid a worsening crisis, which has been classified as general-news.
The cooperation policy between Germany and Jordan, facilitated by the Jordanian military, is ongoing, with their joint efforts providing resources such as food and medical supplies to civilians in Gaza.
