The ministers Caspar Veldkamp of Foreign Affairs and Ruben Brekelmans of Defence reported this today to the House of Representatives.

The food crisis in Gaza has deteriorated to the point that, according to the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC scale), a famine scenario is unfolding. Large numbers of truckloads of aid goods are ready to enter the Gaza Strip, but face obstacles. Therefore, it has now been decided to supplement humanitarian aid with airdrops. The cabinet emphasizes that air drops do not diminish the importance of land-based aid.

The Netherlands is conducting the operation via air in cooperation with international partners. These partners include Germany, France, Spain, Italy, Belgium, Luxembourg, Canada, and the United Arab Emirates. Other countries are also considering contributing. Jordan is coordinating the deployment.

Airdrops are, however, not without danger. There is a risk that civilians may be hit by the packages. Additionally, there is limited visibility on what happens to the goods.

To minimize risks, precautionary measures have been taken. Together with the Jordanian authorities, suitable locations for the drops are being selected and monitored. Careful consideration is given to a time during daylight, as well as weather conditions and the method of dropping. If the accuracy of the drop is in jeopardy, it will not be carried out.

Land access for professional, mandated aid organizations remains a priority for the cabinet. This is the most effective way to deliver aid goods on a large scale. The Netherlands continues to exert diplomatic pressure for immediate, unhindered, and safe access for humanitarian aid.

The expected deployment of airdrops is currently for 2 weeks.