In a bid to intensify humanitarian efforts in the conflict-ridden Gaza Strip, Jordan and Bahrain have reached out to Britain for assistance in supplying parachutes to facilitate aid deliveries. The British Foreign Office confirmed the request and affirmed London’s commitment to supporting humanitarian endeavors in Gaza.
In a statement shared on social media platform X, formerly Twitter, the Foreign Office underscored the collaborative efforts with international partners to ensure the delivery of essential aid to the most vulnerable populations in Gaza. Accompanying the announcement were images depicting parcels being loaded onto an aircraft, signaling the imminent dispatch of aid supplies.
This initiative follows similar actions undertaken by Israel’s army in coordination with the United States, as well as aid drops conducted in France and several Arab countries in recent days. Eyewitnesses in the North of the Gaza Strip reported aid packages, including rice, pasta, and beans, being air-dropped, with coordination allegedly facilitated between the Israeli army and various Arab nations.
Despite the logistical challenges and substantial costs associated with aerial supply missions, the United Nations has emphasized the urgency of addressing the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza. With aid deliveries halving in February compared to the previous month, UN officials warn of the looming threat of starvation facing thousands of civilians.
The deteriorating security situation further compounds the challenges faced by humanitarian organizations, with lorries transporting relief supplies frequently falling victim to looting incidents. In response, the UN has not ruled out the possibility of scaling up air deliveries to reach over two million people in Gaza, underscoring the critical need for sustained international support and coordination in addressing the humanitarian crisis.