Bundeswehr begins airdropping relief supplies over Gaza Strip

The German Armed Forces (Bundeswehr) have begun airdropping relief supplies over the Gaza Strip. On Friday, the first two air force flights dropped 34 pallets totaling nearly 14 tons of food and medical supplies, according to the German Ministry of Defense and the German Foreign Office. Chancellor Friedrich Merz (CDU) announced the airlift, organized jointly with Jordan, to supply the population in the Palestinian Territories on Monday.

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The German Armed Forces (Bundeswehr) then deployed two Airbus A400M transport aircraft to Jordan, where they were loaded with relief supplies. The pallets are dropped by parachute over the Gaza Strip. Army soldiers are also deployed at Al Asrak Airport to operate the packing line for relief supplies.

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Nearly 22 months after the start of the Gaza War, the humanitarian situation in the Palestinian Territory is catastrophic, according to aid organizations. "For many people – including many children – it's a matter of sheer survival," said Defense Minister Boris Pistorius (SPD). However, the so-called airdrops can "only make a very small contribution to providing those affected on the ground with the bare necessities." Israel must therefore "ensure comprehensive humanitarian assistance for the people who have been suffering acutely in Gaza for months."

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Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul spoke of an "absolutely dramatic situation." The German government is therefore working "at full speed to rebuild the established humanitarian land route with experienced UN organizations, which airdrops cannot replace." Because only by land can "relief supplies reach the people in sufficient quantities."

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The Bundeswehr had already participated in airdropping relief supplies with international partners from March 13 to March 31, 2024. According to the Ministry of Defense, a total of 316 tons of relief supplies were dropped on 39 flights. The flights were discontinued once land access was again sufficient.

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