Italy to begin humanitarian aid airdrops into Gaza on Aug. 9

ISTANBUL

Italy will begin airdropping humanitarian aid into the Gaza Strip starting Aug. 9, Defense Minister Guido Crosetto has announced, state news agency ANSA reported.

“I have given the go-ahead for a mission that will involve Army and Air Force resources to transport and airdrop essential goods destined for civilians in Gaza hard hit by the ongoing conflict,” Crosetto said in a statement on Friday.

The operation will initially deploy an “advance party” to coordinate preparatory activities and liaise with local authorities, according to the minister.

“Our first airdrops could take place as early as Aug. 9, enabling the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to complete the procurement of foodstuffs and their transportation to Jordan,” he added.

The aid delivery aims to address the deteriorating humanitarian situation in the besieged enclave, which continues to face severe shortages of food, water, and medical supplies due to the ongoing hostilities.

Israel has imposed a blockade on Gaza for 18 years, and since March 2 has shut down all crossings, worsening humanitarian conditions in the enclave. Its army has killed more than 60,000 Palestinians, most of them women and children, in the territory since October 2023.

ISTANBUL

Italy will begin airdropping humanitarian aid into the Gaza Strip starting Aug. 9, Defense Minister Guido Crosetto has announced, state news agency ANSA reported.

The operation will initially deploy an “advance party” to coordinate preparatory activities and liaise with local authorities, according to the minister.

“Our first airdrops could take place as early as Aug. 9, enabling the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to complete the procurement of foodstuffs and their transportation to Jordan,” he added.