France has launched an emergency operation to air-drop humanitarian aid into Gaza, delivering 40 tonnes of food and medical supplies as concerns mount over an unfolding famine in the war-torn enclave.
President Emmanuel Macron confirmed the operation on Friday, calling it a response to the “absolute urgency” of the humanitarian crisis. “We have just conducted a food airdrop operation in Gaza,” Macron wrote on social media platform X, thanking Jordan, the United Arab Emirates, Germany, and French military personnel for their support. “But airdrops are not enough. Israel must open full humanitarian access to address the risk of famine.”
French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot earlier told franceinfo that four flights, each carrying 10 tonnes of aid, departed from Jordan as part of the effort. The deliveries come as global humanitarian agencies warn that Gaza is slipping deeper into catastrophe.
On Tuesday, a global hunger monitor reported that malnutrition in Gaza had reached crisis levels, with children under five dying from hunger-related causes and access for aid organizations severely limited. Israel continues to impose strict controls on aid entering the strip, citing security concerns.
Macron’s office noted that France had previously taken part in six missions under the European Union’s humanitarian airlift, initiated in October 2023. That joint effort facilitated over 60 flights and delivered more than 3,350 tonnes of aid, mostly through Egypt and Jordan.
However, large portions of that aid have not yet reached Gaza due to a lack of agreement from Israeli authorities, the Élysée Palace said.
France’s renewed push comes amid growing international pressure on Israel to ease restrictions and prevent a full-scale famine, as the humanitarian crisis in Gaza deepens by the day.
Written By Rodney Mbua
