Belgium is in contact with Jordanian authorities to assess the feasibility of resuming humanitarian airdrops over Gaza.
Foreign Minister Maxime Prévot announced on X that Jordan might have regained permission to conduct such humanitarian drops. Defence Minister Theo Francken also indicated Belgium’s readiness to provide aid, as he stated to VTM.
Reports on Friday suggested that Israel may permit the resumption of humanitarian aid drops over Gaza, coordinated by the United Arab Emirates and Jordan.
Belgium, however, remains cautious and is seeking confirmation of this information. Minister Prévot expressed scepticism about airdrops due to the security risks, including the potential for unrest or packages falling on children, since Israel forced the population to move to restricted areas.
The country, nonetheless, is in contact with Jordanian authorities to solidify its proposal if Israel confirms the opening, Prévot added.
Prévot emphasised that air access should not detract from the urgent need to ensure land access, which remains the absolute priority for getting Belgian aid to Gaza.
In March 2024, Belgium previously conducted humanitarian airdrops using A400M aircraft, delivering over 80 tonnes of food and aid supplies. On 20 May this year, the federal government reaffirmed this possibility as part of a broader approach to the conflict.
Defence Minister Francken, in a conversation with VTM, confirmed that Defence has been prepared for weeks to conduct further humanitarian airdrops. “The humanitarian situation is dire. We must help. If we receive the green light from Jordan and Israel, we will proceed,” Francken stated.
