France Launches Humanitarian Air Drops of Aid to Gaza Amidst Growing Crises

Starting July 30, 2025, France will begin delivering 40 tons of humanitarian aid to Gaza through air drops, as announced by French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot. This operation is part of a broader effort to address the dire humanitarian situation faced by the approximately 2.4 million Palestinians currently besieged since the conflict intensified following Hamas's attack on Israel in October 2023.

The air drops will consist of four flights, each carrying 10 tons of food, facilitated in collaboration with Jordanian authorities. Barrot emphasized the importance of taking precautions to ensure the safety of local populations during these operations. He acknowledged the limitations of air drops, stating, "While these air drops are a necessary step, they are not sufficient as a comprehensive solution to the humanitarian crisis. We must ensure that land access to Gaza is reopened to address the needs effectively."

Currently, France has an additional 52 tons of humanitarian aid stuck in al-Arish, Egypt, just kilometers from Gaza. This blockade complicates the situation further as the humanitarian crisis deepens. France's actions are a response to urgent appeals for increased aid, particularly from international bodies advocating for substantial food deliveries to prevent widespread famine in Gaza.

During a recent UN ministerial conference in New York, Barrot highlighted the need for a political solution and endorsed the Arab nations' call for Hamas to disarm. Seventeen countries have united in this call to encourage a transition to a more stable governance in Palestine, underscoring the complexity of the ongoing conflict and humanitarian needs.