BBC Joins Historic Mission to Bring Medical Supplies and Baby Formula to War-Torn Region
Jordanian helicopters have started delivering essential aid to Gaza, marking the first such operation since the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. The BBC was granted access to observe this crucial mission, which saw the helicopters land in Israeli-controlled southern Gaza, near the border and the town of Wadi al-Salqa.
The landing strip, surrounded by razor wire, only accommodates two Blackhawk helicopters at a time, with no personnel disembarking from the airstrip. Among the supplies were British contributions, including medical aid and baby formula, which require swift transportation to prevent spoilage.
As the helicopters approached the area, a barren and desolate landscape unfolded beneath the midday haze – a striking contrast to the hustle on the ground. The first to disembark were Jordanian air force personnel, who coordinated with the World Food Programme to ensure the supplies were received without delay.
On the ground, two trucks were already in position to take the supplies to the nearby town of Khan Younis. Despite the urgency of the operation, with 14 more helicopters waiting to follow, the loading process was swift and efficient. The rotors of the helicopters continued to spin as the operation unfolded under the watchful eyes of the air crew.
The area, which has been ravaged by over a year of conflict, showed clear signs of devastation, with what appeared to be Israeli digging machines working nearby. In total, 16 helicopters participated in the mission on Tuesday, delivering crucial medical supplies, including baby formula, to alleviate some of the suffering in Gaza.
Dr Mohammad al-Momani, the official spokesperson for Jordan’s government, described the situation in Gaza as “horrific” and “inhumane,” stressing that Jordan, in collaboration with the international community, was working to provide much-needed assistance to the region.
