European allies start airlifting aid into Gaza
European countries had announced their participation in the operation earlier this week after Israel's government had agreed to allow more aid to enter the region to alleviate the dire humanitarian situation caused by its ongoing military operation.
Germany said it had run two flights, dropping off 34 pallets containing 14 tonnes of food and medical aid, provided by a charity based in Jordan. Spain said it had dropped off 12 tonnes of food.
French President Emmanuel Macron confirmed that his country had also participated, with the UK expected to join in eventually. Macron stressed, however, that "airdrops are not enough."
German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul also noted that "sufficient quantities of relief supplies can only be provided to the people by land."
Israel had blocked most aid into Gaza since the first phase of a negotiated truce with Hamas ended in March 2025. However, it had reached a deal with the EU in July to slowly resume humanitarian aid deliveries.
It has, however, only sparingly allowed for aid to enter the Gaza Strip via land, leaving the population in danger of mass starvation and prompting increasing criticism from European countries.
Israel had occupied the region after Gaza-based Hamas led an incursion into Israeli territory on 7 October. The massacre by Hamas militants and the ensuing Israeli military operation have cost the lives of thousands of civilians.
"In our talks, we are urging the Israeli government to allow the UN and international aid organisations safe access and, above all, safe distribution," Wadephul said.
Germany's top diplomat is currently completing a two-day visit to the region, leading crucial talks with Israeli officials, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, which will determine whether Germany supports sanctions against Israel at the EU level, according to Chancellor Friedrich Merz.
The chancellor had announced Germany's participation in the air lift earlier this week, which he called a 'Luftbrücke' (or 'air bridge'), evoking the air drops conducted by the allies to supply West Berlin after it was blocked by the Soviet Union after the Second World War.
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