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View all search resultsIndonesia to air-drop aid as starvation spirals in Gaza
Indonesia has deployed the Garuda Merah Putih II team on its second humanitarian mission to Gaza, this time to air-drop aid packages using two Hercules transport aircraft over 12 days to help starving Palestinians as Israel maintains its blockade on the territory.
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Palestinians carry food parcels on Aug. 9, 2025, as they raid humanitarian aid trucks in the southern city of Khan Yunis in the Gaza Strip. (AFP/-)
T
he Indonesian Military (TNI) has deployed dozens of personnel on a 12-day humanitarian mission to deliver aid via airdrop for Palestinians in Gaza, where the hunger crisis is spreading.
On Wednesday, TNI commander Gen. Agus Subiyanto dispatched the Garuda Merah Putih II, a 66-strong team of soldiers and National Alms Agency (Baznas) workers, along with government officials to deliver 800 tonnes of food, medicines and blankets, mostly packed in Jordan and Egypt.
The mission deployed amid Israel’s ongoing aid blockade on Gaza, which international groups including the World Health Organization have pointed to as the main cause of mass starvation in Gaza. A separate United Nations-backed assessment has warned that famine is unfolding in the territory.
Agus said the humanitarian mission symbolized Indonesia’s commitment to humanity ahead of Independence Day on Aug. 17.
“This spirit of independence is manifested by echoing support for Palestinians who are currently struggling for a peaceful life and independence,” he said at a televised press conference on Aug. 13 at Halim Perdanakusuma Air Force Base in East Jakarta.
Agus said the aid would be sent via airdrops with assistance from the Royal Jordanian Air Force, adding that Indonesia's team has identified 10 safe drop zones to prevent harm to Gazans from dangerous and unreliable airdrops.
There have been reports of air-dropped aids causing injuries to Palestinians, prompting calls from humanitarian organizations for land delivery as a more humane and effective option.
