THE HAGUE, Aug. 8 (Xinhua) -- The Netherlands has begun airdropping humanitarian aid packages over the Gaza Strip due to what Dutch officials described as a "catastrophic" humanitarian situation in the besieged enclave, Dutch public broadcaster NOS reported on Friday.
The mission, initiated at Jordan's request, was approved last week by the Dutch cabinet.
According to NOS, the aircraft started airdropping on Friday and is scheduled to continue daily airdrops for the next two weeks. The aid packages, attached to parachutes, contain drinking water, medicines, and non-perishable food items.
Meanwhile, the Dutch government has revoked export licenses for naval equipment destined for Israel, citing concerns over its potential misuse in the ongoing conflict.
"Given the current situation in Gaza, it is virtually impossible for a license to be granted for the export of weapons to Israel that could contribute to the activities of the Israeli military in the Gaza Strip or the West Bank," Dutch Foreign Minister Caspar Veldkamp said in a recent letter to parliament.
Since October 2023, the Dutch government has rejected 11 license applications for the export of military goods and dual-use goods with military end-use in Israel, said Veldkamp.
