The recent mission saw the Jordanian helicopters making their inaugural aid delivery to Gaza, the first since the announced ceasefire between Hamas and Israel. Accompanied by BBC correspondents, the helicopters touched down at a restricted airstrip in Israeli-controlled southern Gaza, situated between the border and Wadi al-Salqa.
The airstrip itself is rather small, surrounded by razor wire, and can accommodate just two Blackhawk helicopters at a time. Jordanian flight crews did not exit the helicopters during the mission to ensure safety. Among the vital supplies were medical items and baby formula from British donors, essential for those suffering from the prolonged impact of conflict.
Upon landing, Jordanian air force personnel quickly unloaded the supplies under the watchful eye of representatives from the World Food Programme. Trucks stood ready beside a barbed wire fence to transport the aid to nearby Khan Younis. The urgency of the operation was palpable, as 14 additional helicopters were reportedly waiting to follow suit with more crucial supplies.
The area surrounding the landing strip, once vibrant, now resembles a desolate wasteland after 15 months of warfare. Observations during the flight revealed extensive damage, with Israeli machinery seen working in the vicinity.
Dr Mohammad al-Momani, spokesperson for the Jordanian government, described the humanitarian situation in Gaza as "horrific and inhumane," affirming Jordan’s commitment to collaborating with the international community in alleviating suffering in the region.
The airstrip itself is rather small, surrounded by razor wire, and can accommodate just two Blackhawk helicopters at a time. Jordanian flight crews did not exit the helicopters during the mission to ensure safety. Among the vital supplies were medical items and baby formula from British donors, essential for those suffering from the prolonged impact of conflict.
Upon landing, Jordanian air force personnel quickly unloaded the supplies under the watchful eye of representatives from the World Food Programme. Trucks stood ready beside a barbed wire fence to transport the aid to nearby Khan Younis. The urgency of the operation was palpable, as 14 additional helicopters were reportedly waiting to follow suit with more crucial supplies.
The area surrounding the landing strip, once vibrant, now resembles a desolate wasteland after 15 months of warfare. Observations during the flight revealed extensive damage, with Israeli machinery seen working in the vicinity.
Dr Mohammad al-Momani, spokesperson for the Jordanian government, described the humanitarian situation in Gaza as "horrific and inhumane," affirming Jordan’s commitment to collaborating with the international community in alleviating suffering in the region.
