Proposals are presently being examined by the Irish Government to deploy their military aircraft to the Middle East to assist in conveying indispensable humanitarian aid to Gaza. These plans, if approved, would see a co-operation between Ireland and Jordan to deliver emergency aid by air to a region presently at risk of severe famine due to the continuing Israeli aggression.
This approach builds on related operations performed recently by Jordan and the United States. As per the contemplated plans, the Irish Foreign Affairs Department and military officials would combine efforts to ferry aid to Jordan, which would then be airlifted and delivered to Gaza.
The Republic has crucial emergency provisions such as tents and blankets already stored in United Arab Emirates (UAE) warehouses for use in immediate crises. Official authorities also believe they can swiftly procure emergency food supplies. The plan currently being considered involves sending one or both of the newly procured Defence Forces’ Casa 295 sea patrol aircraft to the UAE to replenish these supplies and then transport them to Jordan.
From there, the Royal Jordanian Air Force will load the supplies onto transport aircraft which would then deploy them over Gaza, assuming Israel’s military consent. While the Irish aircraft would facilitate the early stages of the operation, it appears they may not be part of the actual airdrop as they lack the necessary capabilities. Diplomatic ties remain healthy between Jordan and Ireland, aiding cooperation and communication on this matter.
Several nations are exploring the use of airdrops as a measure to circumvent Israel’s refusal to permit ample road supplies to Gaza. However, it must be noted that airdrops can only provide a small fraction of the requisite supplies needed for Gaza’s inhabitants. As one Irish official states, “It’s as much a symbolic gesture as it is anything else. It shines a light on the international community’s opposition to Israel’s stance”.
On a recent Thursday in the Dáil, Tánaiste Micheál Martin confirmed discussions regarding potential involvement of the State in an airdrop mission with his Jordanian peer.
“We’re actively considering participating in this international endeavour,” he responded to queries from Cathal Berry, the Independent TD for Kildare. He emphasised that this has nothing to do with technical competence, with Jordan having significant experience liaising with the Israeli Government concerning their airspace and associated issues.
That being said, he insisted that this should not deviate from Israel’s responsibility to permit aid to flow into Gaza via land transport. He cautioned that global and EU leaders must pressure Israel into allowing trucks into Gaza, insisting that food airlifts should never serve as a justification for not committing to the fundamental task of opening the borders and letting sufficient aid in.
The situation in the area is not just bordering on starvation and societal breakdown, according to Mr Martin; it is a pressing reality, and the pressure on Israel must be relentless. He added that while airdrops can cover only a fraction of the needs, they are crucial for bringing supplies into northern Gaza, where aid organisations have been unable to function.
Brendan Howlin, Labour’s spokesperson for foreign affairs, noted that airdrops have shown to be “totally ineffective”, with 34,000 to 38,000 meals provisioned to two million individuals through air support thus far, “without even getting to the required or accessible locations.” He raised the pressing question of how we can ensure food delivery before a significant loss of life happens.
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