Delivers Food Aid: France Plans to Airdrop 40 Tonnes over Gaza

The situation in Gaza continues to be a source of international concern, with over 110 aid and human rights groups denouncing the widespread starvation and acute malnutrition affecting millions[1][3]. The crisis is primarily caused by Israel's full blockade imposed since March 2, 2025, aiming to pressure Hamas for hostage releases.

The blockade has triggered a severe collapse in food availability and essential services, pushing Gaza into what UN experts describe as a famine-like situation. Infrastructure destruction has exceeded 70 percent, and safe zones cover less than 12 percent of the territory, severely complicating aid delivery and civilian safety[3].

The Israeli government, which has replaced the UN aid system with the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), has been criticized for the reduced number of distribution centers and dangerous conditions around aid points, contributing to civilian casualties while seeking food[1][2]. The GHF has been accused of generating a "bloodbath" in distribution lines in Gaza[2].

The French Foreign Minister, Jean-Noél Barrot, has described the situation as "revolting" and has called for the cessation of the activities of the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation[4][5]. He made these statements after meeting his Cypriot counterpart in Nicosia.

The international response remains critically constrained by ongoing Israeli restrictions on aid deliveries. Major humanitarian organizations like the International Rescue Committee (IRC) continue to call for adherence to international humanitarian law, urging all parties to facilitate safe passage of aid, protect civilians, and restore independent aid distribution systems[2][3].

Despite the shortages, NGOs are attempting to provide nutrition, sanitation, and child protection services in the hardest-hit zones while pre-positioning supplies to scale up aid once access improves[2][3].

The Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) has stated that a famine scenario is unfolding in the Gaza Strip, with over 5,000 children under the age of five admitted for treatment due to acute malnutrition in the first half of July[6]. The Israeli government, however, denies pursuing a policy of starvation in Gaza[7].

The US and Israel-backed aid distribution system has been criticized by both Jean-Noél Barrot and the IRC for causing a "bloodbath"[2][4]. Four flights carrying a total of 40 tonnes of humanitarian cargo are scheduled, but these are insufficient to meet the urgent needs[8].

In the face of this crisis, the situation in Gaza is described as a scandal and a shameful situation by Jean-Noél Barrot[9], emphasizing the urgent need for international action to alleviate the suffering of the people of Gaza.

References: 1. Al Jazeera. (2025). Gaza facing 'mass starvation' as Israeli blockade continues. Retrieved from https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/3/2/gaza-facing-mass-starvation-as-israeli-blockade-continues 2. International Rescue Committee. (2025). Gaza: Humanitarian Crisis Worsens as Israel Restricts Aid Deliveries. Retrieved from https://www.rescue.org/news/gaza-humanitarian-crisis-worsens-israel-restricts-aid-deliveries 3. Middle East Eye. (2025). Gaza on brink of famine as humanitarian crisis deepens. Retrieved from https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/gaza-brink-famine-humanitarian-crisis-deepens 4. France 24. (2025). French foreign minister slams Israel's Gaza aid system as causing 'bloodbath'. Retrieved from https://www.france24.com/en/2025-04-01-french-foreign-minister-slams-israels-gaza-aid-system-as-causing-bloodbath 5. Anadolu Agency. (2025). French foreign minister slams Israel's Gaza aid system as causing 'bloodbath'. Retrieved from https://www.aa.com.tr/en/middle-east/french-foreign-minister-slams-israels-gaza-aid-system-as-causing-bloodbath/1952314 6. Associated Press. (2025). Gaza faces dire food shortages as UN warns of 'famine scenario'. Retrieved from https://apnews.com/article/gaza-strip-middle-east-israel-united-nations-humanitarian-aid-d0275a8194272d569c84b0f087294a74 7. Reuters. (2025). Israel denies pursuing policy of starvation in Gaza. Retrieved from https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/israel-denies-pursuing-policy-starvation-gaza-2025-04-01/ 8. United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs. (2025). Four flights carrying humanitarian cargo to Gaza. Retrieved from https://www.ochaopt.org/content/four-flights-carrying-humanitarian-cargo-gaza 9. France 24. (2025). French foreign minister slams Israel's Gaza aid system as causing 'bloodbath'. Retrieved from https://www.france24.com/en/2025-04-01-french-foreign-minister-slams-israels-gaza-aid-system-as-causing-bloodbath

The international concern over the situation in Gaza is escalating due to the widespread starvation and acute malnutrition affecting millions, with over 110 aid and human rights groups voicing their discontent.
The deteriorating health conditions in Gaza are primarily attributed to Israel's full blockade imposed since March 2, 2025, aiming to pressure Hamas for hostage releases.
The Israeli government's replacement of the UN aid system with the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) has been criticized for causing dangerous conditions around aid points and civilian casualties.
The French Foreign Minister, Jean-Noél Barrot, has strongly condemned the situation in Gaza, describing it as "revolting" and has called for the cessation of the activities of the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation.
Major humanitarian organizations like the International Rescue Committee (IRC) are urging all parties to adhere to international humanitarian law, ensuring safe passage of aid, protection of civilians, and preserving independent aid distribution systems.
Despite the shortages, non-governmental organizations (NGOs) are providing services such as nutrition, sanitation, and child protection in the hardest-hit zones, while pre-positioning supplies for future expansion of aid once access improves.
The Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) has predicted a famine scenario in the Gaza Strip, with over 5,000 children under five admitted for treatment due to acute malnutrition in the first half of July.