Jordan and the United Arab Emirates carried out emergency aid airdrops over northern Gaza on Sunday, as malnutrition levels in the war-torn Strip reached critical levels.
The joint operation delivered 25 tonnes of food and medical supplies in three separate airdrops, according to Jordan’s military. The effort followed Israel’s announcement of a daily 10-hour “tactical pause” in parts of Gaza to allow humanitarian aid to enter.
The World Health Organization (WHO) said malnutrition in Gaza is now at “alarming levels” and on a “dangerous trajectory.” Aid agencies warn that current relief efforts are not enough to meet the growing needs of Gaza’s two million people, many of whom face starvation.
Food trucks entering Gaza were rushed by crowds of desperate civilians. In northern Gaza’s Zikim area, people climbed onto aid trucks and grabbed flour sacks, highlighting the chaos caused by limited aid access.
Jordan and the UAE have stepped up efforts to deliver food by air as access by land remains limited. A Jordanian official said the mission was carried out despite major risks, adding, “We are committed to helping civilians in Gaza survive.”
Local journalist Imad Kudaya, based in southern Gaza, said some airdrop packages landed in demilitarized zones, making them dangerous to reach. “These areas are under Israeli control and can be risky for civilians,” he warned.
While a temporary pause in fighting has allowed some aid in, violence continues. On Sunday, nine Palestinians were reportedly killed and 54 injured near a central Gaza aid route. An airstrike also hit a residential area shortly after the ceasefire began, according to local sources.
The UN’s World Food Programme says one-third of Gaza’s population now goes days without eating, and one in four is facing famine-like conditions. More than 100 people have reportedly died from hunger-related causes in recent days.
The UK and UN are calling for greater access by land. “Air drops are helpful but not enough,” said UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy. “Land routes remain the only sustainable way to get aid in.”
Despite the international push for aid access, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said military operations will continue until all war goals are met.
