Paris: France will initiate a series of airdrops of humanitarian aid into the Gaza Strip in the coming days to address the escalating humanitarian crisis in the region. The French broadcaster BFM TV reported the development amid dire conditions in the besieged enclave, which the UN-backed Integrated Food Security Phase Classification has warned could reach a 'worst-case scenario of famine.'

According to Anadolu Agency, France is taking substantial precautions to ensure the safety of the population during these operations. Diplomatic sources highlighted the importance of safety, particularly in light of the more than 1,000 Palestinian deaths attributed to Israeli forces while seeking food from a contentious aid plan supported by the US and Israel.

French authorities are also considering overland transport of aid to facilitate quicker and more substantial deliveries. However, the sources pointed out that airdrops cannot replace the need for increased humanitarian access. An official emphasized that significant increases in aid would require Israel to open land crossing points immediately.

Amid these efforts, France, alongside other nations, continues to advocate for a ceasefire and urges Israel to permit unhindered humanitarian access by opening crossing points.

Gaza's Health Ministry has reported that at least 147 people, including 88 children, have died of starvation since Israel launched its offensive in October 2023. The Israeli army's actions have resulted in the deaths of over 60,000 Palestinians, predominantly women and children, exacerbating the humanitarian disaster in Gaza.

On Monday, Israeli rights organizations B'Tselem and Physicians for Human Rights-Israel accused Israel of committing genocide in Gaza. They cited the systematic destruction of Palestinian society and the deliberate dismantling of the territory's health care infrastructure as evidence of these claims.