Airdrops of aid have continued since Tel Aviv announced on July 25 that it would allow limited quantities of aid to be dropped into Gaza and begin what it called a "local tactical suspension of military activities" in specific areas of the Strip to allow aid to pass through.
The idea of airdropping aid to Gaza has faced sharp criticism from international bodies and organizations, including the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA), which asserted that it "will not end" the worsening famine and considered it "merely a distraction and smokescreen to obscure the reality of the humanitarian catastrophe" in the Strip.
A statement issued by the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that the operation falls within the framework of Operation Gallant Knight 3, the UAE's humanitarian campaign aimed at delivering food and relief supplies to the most affected areas in the Gaza Strip. The campaign was initially launched on November 5, 2023.
The statement explained that this air operation is the 59th since the launch of the campaign aimed at delivering food and relief supplies to the most affected areas in the Gaza Strip.
In this context, UAE Foreign Minister Abdullah bin Zayed held a phone call with his Jordanian counterpart, Ayman Safadi, to discuss the latest developments in the humanitarian situation in Gaza and ways to enhance joint coordination in relief efforts, according to the statement.
During the call, the Emirati minister praised "the ongoing humanitarian efforts made by the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan to support the Palestinian people," and emphasized "the depth of the partnership and cooperation between the two brotherly countries in the field of relief."
The minister noted that the directives of UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed stipulate continued urgent humanitarian support to Gaza through land, air, and sea operations. He said, "The UAE will remain at the forefront of those supporting the Palestinian people, whether through direct relief efforts or political and diplomatic efforts."
Gaza is experiencing the worst humanitarian crisis in its history, with a severe famine intertwined with a genocidal war waged by Israel, with US support, since October 7, 2023.
The genocide in Gaza left approximately 208,000 Palestinians dead or wounded, most of them children and women, and more than 9,000 missing, in addition to hundreds of thousands of displaced persons and a famine that claimed the lives of many.
