The Canadian Armed Forces conducted their first humanitarian airdrop into Gaza on Monday, delivering 9,800 kilograms of aid to Palestinians using a CC-130J Hercules aircraft departing from a Jordanian airbase, Global Affairs Canada said.
The supplies, including lentils, oil, milk powder and pasta, were part of a joint effort by six countries to ease the hunger crisis in the Palestinian territory.
“Canada is taking these exceptional measures with international partners as access to humanitarian aid in Gaza is severely restricted and needs are unprecedented,” Global Affairs Canada stated, noting challenges in land deliveries due to Israeli government restrictions.
Maj. Cam MacKay of the 436 Transport Squadron said the team was “very motivated,” adding, “People on the ground are in great need, and being able to assist feels good.”
The Israel Defence Forces said 120 food aid packages were airdropped by six countries, with Canada joining Jordan, the UAE, Egypt, Germany and Belgium. France and Spain have also participated in recent days.
On the ground in Gaza’s Nuseirat area, scenes were chaotic as Palestinians scrambled for aid. “Look at the humiliation to get aid,” said 30-year-old Muhammad Ammar. “Everyone is pushing; they don’t want us to eat.”
Ahmad Ayesh, 26, holding a crushed food can, said, “We feel humiliated. Open the crossings and let aid through normally.”
Aid experts note airdrops are far less effective than truck convoys, with some pallets falling into the sea and at least one killing Palestinians recently.
Israel, blaming Hamas for Gaza’s suffering, says it’s facilitating more aid via airdrops, temporary fighting pauses and protected routes.
Karen Bongard, Canadian Embassy political counsellor in Jordan, acknowledged airdrops are insufficient but said “inaction is not an option” amid the crisis.
Prime Minister Mark Carney said Canada is working on a peace plan and ensuring aid scales up. Last week, he announced Canada will recognize a Palestinian state in September, conditional on reforms and elections, drawing criticism from Israel’s ambassador who said it would “embolden” Hamas.
The latest conflict flared in October 2023 after Hamas attacks. Israeli tallies say around 1,200 died and 251 were taken hostage; Gaza health officials report over 60,000 Palestinian deaths from Israel’s offensive.
