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Indonesia has released footage showing its military cargo planes dropping aid into Gaza, aiming to alleviate the suffering of Palestinians trapped in Israel’s siege. Newsweek has contacted the Indonesian military and Israeli Foreign Ministry for comment.
Why It Matters:
– Indonesia, with 284 million people, is the world’s largest Muslim-majority country. Like most nations, it calls for a ceasefire in the ongoing 22-month conflict between Israel and Hamas.
– Tel Aviv demands the release of 50 remaining hostages held by Hamas as a condition for a ceasefire. At least 27 governments and rights groups have condemned Israel for alleged war crimes, including killing civilians and causing mass starvation with a blockade. The World Health Organization declared a famine in Gaza.
What to Know:
– Indonesia’s armed forces stated that their cargo planes continued airdropping aid over central Gaza as part of an ongoing 12-day mission.
– Footage showed military personnel loading supplies and dozens of boxes parachuting from the cargo bay as the plane flew overhead.
– This operation follows Indonesia’s first humanitarian air mission in April 2024, carried out by one aircraft under challenging conditions. Lieutenant General Gabriel Lema, head of Indonesia’s Defense Reserve Component at the Ministry of Defense, said this latest effort involves two C-130J Super Hercules transport planes, benefiting from improved coordination and readiness.
– Israel denies a famine exists and blames nongovernmental organizations and Hamas for any food shortages.
What People Have Said:
– The World Health Organization reported 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 percent) indicated they were going days without eating, and adults regularly skip meals to feed their children.”
What Happens Next:
– The Indonesian mission is scheduled to conclude on Thursday.
– Israel’s security Cabinet has approved a major ground offensive to take full control of Gaza City, mobilizing 60,000 reservists.
– Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu insists the offensive, criticized internationally, is necessary to “complete the defeat” of Hamas.
