126 packages, six countries: Israel airdrops aid in Gaza; dismisses 'starving' Palestinians claims

Israel on Friday said that it air-dropped humanitarian aid into the Gaza Strip, in partnership with six countries, including three European nations. The Israel defence forces (IDF) claimed the operation delivered 126 aid packages containing food to residents in both northern and southern Gaza.The joint airdrop involved the United Arab Emirates, Jordan, Egypt, Spain, France, and Germany, according to an IDF statement cited by the Jerusalem Post. This marked the first time the IDF coordinated such a relief effort with the three European countries.The move comes amid increasing global criticism over the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. IDF chief of staff lieutenant general Eyal Zamir rejected global claims that Israel is starving children in Gaza.Responding to the accusations, Zamir said, "The false campaign about starvation these days is a deliberate, coordinated, and deceitful attempt aimed at accusing the IDF—a moral army—of war crimes.""The party responsible for the killing and suffering of Gaza's residents is Hamas. IDF soldiers and commanders act with morality and integrity, in accordance with the IDF's spirit and international law," Zamir added.Commenting on the ongoing hostage negotiations, Zamir indicated that military operations would continue regardless of diplomatic developments. "I estimate that in the coming days we will know whether we can reach a partial deal for the release of our hostages," he told commanders, according to the Jerusalem Post. "If not, the fighting will continue without pause."Since the nearly three-year war between Hamas and Israel began, over 58,000 Palestinians have been killed, according to Gaza's health ministry. Several ceasefires have been attempted, but none have held. Israel has continued military action in Gaza and the West Bank, with consistent backing from US President Donald Trump.At least 91 people were killed and 600 wounded in Gaza over the past 24 hours while waiting for aid, amid ongoing ceasefire discussions and inspections of food distribution, according to the Guardian.