In a significant humanitarian effort, Jordanian helicopters have commenced their first aid deliveries to Gaza following the recent ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. This operation marks a crucial moment in the ongoing efforts to provide relief to those affected by the prolonged conflict.
First aerial aid delivery since ceasefire
As the helicopters took to the skies, the stark reality of the devastation below became apparent. The landscape was marked by grey ruins and an overall sense of desolation, a testament to the extensive damage wrought over the past months. Upon landing, the Jordanian air force personnel disembarked swiftly to ensure a representative from the World Food Programme was present to facilitate the distribution of aid.
Approaching the helicopter was a lone figure clad in a high-visibility jacket, ready to assist in the operation. Nearby, two trucks stood ready to transport the urgently needed supplies into the city of Khan Younis. The unloading process was rapid and efficient, with no formalities delaying the critical delivery. Meanwhile, the sound of helicopter rotors continued to resonate in the air, embodying the pressing urgency of the mission, with 14 additional helicopters poised to follow.
Humanitarian mission amidst conflict
The BBC was permitted to join this vital mission, which landed in Israeli-controlled territory in southern Gaza, situated between the Israeli border and Wadi al-Salqa. Although this area lies at the periphery of the conflict zone, the proximity to the landing strip revealed a landscape resembling a wasteland, a grim reminder of 15 months of relentless warfare.
During the operation, I observed what appeared to be Israeli excavation machinery actively working in the vicinity. A total of 16 helicopters were mobilized by the Jordanian government for this crucial delivery, each tasked with transporting essential medical supplies and baby formula—items particularly vulnerable to spoilage during lengthy transport by road.
Dr Mohammad al-Momani, the official spokesperson for the Jordanian government, expressed the gravity of the situation in Gaza, stating that the scenes of human suffering were “horrific… and inhumane.”
He emphasized that Jordan is collaborating with the international community in a concerted effort to alleviate the immense suffering faced by the people in Gaza. With this mission, the hope is to provide not just immediate relief but also a reminder of the ongoing commitment to humanitarian assistance in one of the most challenging regions of the world.