The Defence Ministry announced in a statement on Monday that it had completed its humanitarian aid drop over the Gaza Strip. A total of 190 tonnes of food, water, and medical supplies have been dropped since 3 August as part of Operation Cerulean Skies 2.
Belgium is the second largest contributor of humanitarian goods during this multi-country operation, after the United Arab Emirates.
A detachment composed of soldiers from the 15th Air Transport Wing (Melsbroek) and the RavAir platoon (air refueling unit of the Special Operations Regiment) had been stationed in Zarka, Jordan, since early August to carry out this mission. The drops were carried out using an A400M transport aircraft from the 15th Wing.
"With this operation, we have taken concrete steps to improve the humanitarian situation in Gaza and, thanks to the deployment of our soldiers, thousands of families in Gaza have gained access to vital resources," the Defence Ministry said.
"Our soldiers have shown that Belgium is a reliable partner in international missions. They deserve all our respect and gratitude for this. Thanks to their professionalism, we have been able to make a difference in a region that desperately needs our support," said Defence Minister Theo Francken.
The UN has been warning for several weeks of the risk of "widespread famine" in Gaza. The Hamas-run Health Ministry in Gaza estimated last week that the total number of victims of starvation stood at 227, including 103 children.
