Belgium is the second contributor: the drops in humanitarian aid on Gaza have succeeded, the pilot of the plane says he is “proud to have done his job”

In Gaza, the humanitarian situation is still as critical. Largages of essential products have resumed in recent weeks. An operation in which Belgium participated from the start. Of the 13 participating countries, Belgium is the 2nd contributor. A successful mission.

The Defense A400M has just fulfilled its humanitarian mission perfectly. The 190 tonnes of food for the Gaza Strip. An operation started on August 3 with a percentage of 100 % success. Pride for the pilot and commander of the detachment. “We made 12 drops, 12 drops that all succeeded,” says Peter Wuffels. “So we are proud to have done our job. I think everyone in my detachment was proud to have helped a little bit. »»

The 48 team members belong to the 15th air transport. All have the feeling of accomplished duty. A success because zero risk does not exist when palettes of one ton each unfold at low altitude. “We have software that helps us have a precision of 50 meters to ensure that everything can be done in the biggest security measures,” explains Bruno Beeckmans, brigadier general.

The military plane carried out its rotations from the Zarqa base in Jordan. Each package is meticulously prepared. Inside: rice, pasta and canned fish in particular.

For Andrea, this mission is the first abroad. “Everyone has helped unload food for example,” she explains. “So it was the Jordanian trucks that arrived with parcels that each country dropped off in the hangar and we took everything we needed with other countries. I think it was really useful to be able to help people there. We feel useful. »»

Belgium is the second contributor in food out of the 13 nations committed. In a territory at war, coordination is essential. “We had a representative of each country and our goal was to agree which country would use which zone of drop, in what order, what a quantity, what type of parachute,” says Quentin Lefevre, liaison officer.

Wasn’t there a danger that these planes become targets? “I was not aware of this kind of event there,” he replies. “We were there to drop equipment and I was not aware of danger towards the plane. »»

This is the second time that our country has led an operation to drop into humanitarian goods. The first was in March 2024 with more than 160 tonnes in it. This second collaboration with Jordan is over. The government does not currently provide for other missions.