World’s largest muslim country responds to Gaza crisis with major aid drop Video

Indonesia has conducted a major humanitarian operation, releasing footage of military cargo planes dropping aid into Gaza to relieve the suffering of Palestinians caught in Israel’s ongoing siege of the enclave.

According to Newsweek, the 284-million-strong nation, the world’s largest Muslim-majority country, has been among the overwhelming majority of nations calling for a ceasefire in the 22-month conflict, which erupted after Hamas launched deadly attacks on Israeli communities.

Tel Aviv has demanded the release of the 50 remaining hostages taken by Hamas, 20 of whom are believed to still be alive, as a precondition for any ceasefire.

Meanwhile, rights groups and at least 27 governments have condemned Israel over alleged war crimes, including targeting civilians and causing mass starvation with the blockade. 

The World Health Organisation and other United Nations agencies have formally declared a famine in Gaza.

Indonesia’s humanitarian mission

Indonesia’s armed forces announced on Tuesday that its cargo planes continued airdropping aid over central Gaza as part of a 12-day mission to deliver around 800 tons of ready-made meals, medicine, and other essential supplies to outlying areas and red zones controlled by the Israel Defence Forces.

Footage released by Jakarta shows military personnel loading supplies, with dozens of boxes parachuting from the aircraft over Gaza.

Lieutenant General Gabriel Lema, head of Indonesia’s Defence Reserve Component, noted that the operation builds on Indonesia’s first humanitarian air mission in April 2024, which faced difficult conditions.

“We hope that this mission will proceed smoothly and without obstacles,” Lema said. He added that the current effort, conducted with two C-130J Super Hercules transport planes, benefits from improved coordination, communication, and readiness to adapt to any situation.

Israel has denied claims of famine, blaming NGOs and Hamas for any food shortages. Indonesia is one of 28 mostly Muslim countries that do not maintain official diplomatic relations with Israel.

Humanitarian concerns

The World Health Organisation highlighted the dire situation in Gaza, reporting on August 22: “Access to food in Gaza remains severely constrained. In July, the number of households reporting very severe hunger doubled across the territory compared to May and more than tripled in Gaza City. More than one in three people (39 per cent) indicated they were going days at a time without eating, and adults regularly skip meals to feed their children.”

Outlook

The Indonesian mission is scheduled to conclude on August 28. Meanwhile, Israel’s security Cabinet has approved a major ground offensive aimed at taking full control of Gaza City, mobilising 60,000 reservists. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has insisted the operation, which has drawn international criticism, is necessary to “complete the defeat” of Hamas.

By Aghakazim Guliyev