In a significant humanitarian effort, the Egyptian Air Forces collaborated with the United Arab Emirates and Jordan to conduct its first-ever airdrop of crucial aid to the Gaza Strip.
The operation aims to alleviate the dire situation faced by the besieged territory, which has been grappling with Israeli aggression since October 7.
The airdrop, which took place on Tuesday, February 27, included essential supplies such as food and medical assistance. This joint effort demonstrates regional solidarity and underscores the urgency of providing much-needed relief to the affected population.
A high-level Egyptian military official said that “Egyptian aircraft have been dropping tons of urgent aid supplies” to central and south Gaza.
Another high-level security source confirmed that the operation marks Egypt’s commitment to supporting Palestinians in Gaza who have endured the devastating impact of conflict and blockade.
On Monday, February 26, the Jordanian army also carried out a similar humanitarian aid airdrop into Gaza, emphasizing the collective efforts to address the crisis.
Egypt has been actively assisting in the delivery of aid to 2.4 million Palestinians in Gaza amidst ongoing Israeli bombardment and blockade.
Since the October 7th attack by Hamas, aid had been channeled through the Rafah and Karm Abu Salem border crossings between Egypt and the Strip.
However, Israel’s actions have hindered this aid effort, with hundreds of trucks loaded with thousands of tons of aid being blocked at the Rafah crossing.
Cairo accused Tel Aviv of deliberately impeding aid deliveries by implementing excessively slow inspection procedures.
The impact of the Israeli blockade on Gaza, which includes restrictions on food, medicine, and fuel, has drawn concern from international aid organizations.
Cairo warned that these measures have led to near-starvation conditions within the Gaza Strip.
Arish International Airport in North Sinai received more than 500 planes carrying aid to Gaza from countries and aid groups around the world since the start of the conflict.
As of February 2024, Egypt provided 100,000 tons of humanitarian aid to people in Gaza out of 130,000 delivered to the strip, according to Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly.
Furthermore, in recent days, the Egyptian Red Crescent set up a second camp for displaced Palestinians in Khan Younis in southern Gaza in collaboration with the Palestinian Red Crescent Society.
According to sources, Egypt is also preparing to establish a third refugee camp in central Gaza’s Deir Al-Balah and a field hospital with a well-equipped operations room.
Moreover, Egypt, along with Qatar and the US, has been mediating talks to reach a truce deal between Israel and Hamas.
Elimination Of Hamas Still The Goal
Meanwhile, Cairo called on Israel to abandon its planned invasion of Rafah, emphasizing the catastrophic consequences such an action would have on the already dire humanitarian situation in the Strip.
However, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has been committed in his stance regarding the possibility of a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, particularly in the city of Rafah.
Netanyahu emphasized that a military operation in Rafah is “inevitable.” He asserted that even if a ceasefire deal were to be reached, the operation would still proceed.
His words were clear: “If we have a deal, it will be delayed somewhat, but it will happen. If we don’t have a deal, we’ll do it anyway.”
He added that the objective of the operation is to target the remaining Hamas battalions in Rafah
Mr Netanyahu believes that only a combination of military pressure and firm negotiations will lead to the release of Israeli hostages held by Hamas.
He also aims for the elimination of Hamas and the achievement of all the war’s objectives.
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