Germany starts aid airdrops over Gaza

BERLIN

The German armed forces (Bundeswehr) began their Gaza aid airlift for people in need in the Gaza Strip, the Defense Ministry announced on Friday.

German transport aircraft have dropped 34 pallets containing almost 14 tons of food and medical supplies over the area, it said in a statement.

Defense Minister Boris Pistorius emphasized that the aid flights could only contribute a very small portion and bring the bare necessities to the people.

"In Gaza, food and medicine are particularly lacking these days. For many people – including many children – it's a matter of sheer survival."

He expected Israel to ensure comprehensive humanitarian aid for those who have been suffering for months.

Meanwhile, Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul also emphasized that intensive work is underway to rebuild the humanitarian land route with experienced UN organizations.

Wadephul noted that airdrops cannot replace land deliveries in ensuring that aid reaches the people adequately.

"That is why, in our discussions, we are urgently calling on the Israeli government to allow the UN and international aid organizations safe access and, above all, safe distribution."

Last week, Chancellor Friedrich Merz said his government is considering stepping up pressure on Israel over the dire humanitarian situation in the enclave.

The German government “reserves the right” to take concrete measures to increase pressure on Israel to improve “the catastrophic situation” in the Gaza Strip, he said.

He added that the Security Cabinet had not yet made any decisions on the matter but had discussed the options.

"We reserve the right, however, to take such steps," he stressed.

Rejecting international calls for a ceasefire, the Israeli army has pursued a brutal offensive on Gaza since Oct. 7, 2023, killing more than 60,00 Palestinians, most of them women and children. The relentless bombardment has destroyed the enclave and led to food shortages.

Last November, the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant for war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza.

Israel also faces a genocide case at the International Court of Justice for its war on the enclave.