Belgium to Conduct Airdrops Over Gaza Amid Humanitarian Crisis
Belgium is set to commence airdrops over Gaza, with a Defence cargo plane scheduled to depart carrying 600,000 euros worth of food and medical supplies, as announced by foreign minister Maxime Prévot and defence minister Theo Francken on Wednesday. A similar initiative was previously carried out earlier this year, reports 24brussels.
Prime minister Bart De Wever earlier confirmed that Jordan has authorized Belgium’s involvement in addressing the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Airdrops are expected to leave from airports in Jordan, while the Belgian government continues to pressure Israel for the entry of aid trucks into the region.
“Together with our European partners, we continue to exert pressure to ensure that humanitarian aid can be organized safely and accessibly,” De Wever stated. “If this does not succeed, we do not rule out further measures or sanctions, as I already explained in the Chamber on July 17.”
De Wever emphasized the legitimacy of the fight against Hamas, labeling it a terrorist organization that holds hostages and targets Palestinian civilians. He asserted that while Israel is a Western democracy and should be held accountable, the suffering of innocent civilians must cease. “The war must also be ended. Coexistence between Israel and a democratic Palestinian state is the only path to peace,” he added.
A Defence reconnaissance team is currently assessing conditions to determine when the Defence A400M can depart. The initial airdrops will utilize supplies already positioned in Jordan.
Prévot indicated that the airdrops are a preliminary measure, emphasizing, “They must not, under any circumstances, distract from the urgent need for land access, which, for reasons of security, efficiency and capacity, remains the absolute priority for transporting the thousands of tons of food blocked at the border.” He pledged to continue urging Israeli authorities to facilitate the rapid delivery of these supplies to Gaza.
Palestinians carry humanitarian aid received through the Zikim crossing as they return to their families near the Al-Sudaniya area in northern Gaza, Palestine. © PHOTO RAMEZ HABBOUB / ABACAPRESS.COM
