The Joint Operations Command of the UAE’s Ministry of Defense has announced the successful execution of “Operation Birds of Goodness,” the 38th aerial delivery of humanitarian aid to northern Gaza.
This operation involved the use of two C17 aircraft from the UAE Air Force and two C295 aircraft from the Egyptian Air Force.
The airdrops were conducted over inaccessible areas in northern Gaza, delivering a total of 82 tons of food and relief supplies.
This latest mission increases the total humanitarian aid delivered under “Operation Birds of Goodness” to an impressive 2,517 tons.
Furthermore, including ground deliveries via the Kerem Shalom crossing, the UAE has now sent approximately 2,807 tons of aid to northern Gaza.
“Operation Birds of Goodness” is part of the broader “Gallant Knight 3” initiative aimed at supporting the Palestinian people in Gaza.
This international effort highlights the ongoing commitment of the UAE and Egypt to provide critical assistance amidst challenging conditions in the region.
The Deputy Executive Director of the UN World Food Programme, Carl Skau, expressed urgent concerns on Thursday about the escalating risk of famine in northern Gaza, exacerbated by the ongoing Israeli blockade.
Skau called for an increase in both the quantity and diversity of humanitarian aid allowed into the region, urging Israel to facilitate direct access from Ashdod Port through the Erez Crossing.
Despite a pledge made three weeks ago by Israeli authorities to reopen the Erez Crossing and permit the use of Ashdod Port for humanitarian deliveries, these measures have not yet been implemented.
“We welcome these commitments; some have been partially implemented, but others are still pending,” Skau told reporters, referencing a statement from Reuters.
