Singapore Deploys C-130 Aircraft For Gaza Humanitarian Aid Airdrop Operations

By Nur Ashikin Abdul Aziz

SINGAPORE, Aug 12 (Bernama) -- Singapore has deployed a C-130 transport aircraft to Jordan on Monday to conduct airdrop operations to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza, alongside other foreign air forces, at the invitation of the Jordanian government, according to the Defence Ministry (MINDEF).

MINDEF said the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) C-130 carried humanitarian aid comprising medical supplies from the Health Ministry and food supplies from several non-governmental organisations (NGOs).

“58 defence and military personnel were deployed in support of these operations,” MINDEF said in a statement on Tuesday.

This marks the second time the RSAF C-130 has conducted airdrop operations to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza.

The send-off ceremony at Paya Lebar Air Base was attended by Senior Minister of State for Defence Zaqy Mohamad and Minister of State for Defence Desmond Choo.

Zaqy said the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) stands ready to support humanitarian assistance into Gaza.

“This is one way to show how the whole community rallies together to show compassion and shows how it brings together all the resources and Singaporeans,” he added.

Acting Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs, Associate Professor Faishal Ibrahim, who was also present to meet with representatives from the participating NGOs, thanked the Muslim community and all Singaporeans for their generosity, compassion, and prayers.

“Every act of giving is a light in the darkness for someone in need. Let us continue to keep Gaza in our prayers, support humanitarian initiatives, and work towards a future of peace, safety, and dignity for all,” he said.

Since the start of the latest Israel-Hamas conflict in October 2023, Singapore and Singaporeans have contributed nine tranches of humanitarian assistance to Gaza, totalling over S$22 million (S$1=RM3.30).

-- BERNAMA