Daijiworld Media Network – Jerusalem

Jerusalem, Aug 2: In a significant development, Israel on Friday carried out an airdrop of humanitarian aid into Gaza, partnering with six countries including three from Europe, amid rising global concerns over the humanitarian crisis in the region.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said it delivered 126 packages of food to residents in both northern and southern Gaza. The joint effort involved the United Arab Emirates, Jordan, Egypt, Spain, France, and Germany, marking the first such coordinated airdrop with these European nations.

The airdrop comes as Israel faces mounting criticism from international organisations and rights groups, accusing it of worsening Gaza’s humanitarian crisis.

Rejecting the allegations, IDF chief of staff Lt Gen Eyal Zamir said, “The false campaign about starvation these days is a deliberate, coordinated, and deceitful attempt aimed at accusing the IDF—a moral army—of war crimes.” He stressed that Hamas is responsible for the suffering in Gaza and that IDF troops act in accordance with international law.

Zamir also commented on the ongoing hostage negotiations, stating that military operations would continue regardless of diplomatic progress. “If no deal is reached in the coming days, the fighting will continue without pause,” he told IDF commanders.

Since the conflict escalated between Israel and Hamas nearly three years ago, Gaza’s health ministry reports over 58,000 Palestinian fatalities. Despite several attempted ceasefires, none have lasted. Military operations continue with backing from US President Donald Trump.

According to The Guardian, at least 91 people were killed and 600 wounded in Gaza in the past 24 hours while awaiting aid amid ceasefire talks and ongoing food distribution checks.