Potential title: "UAE and Egypt ramp up relief efforts with second Gaza aid air drop, as calls intensify for Israel to lift blockade restricting wider humanitarian access"

 

 The UAE Ministry of Defence announced the completion of the second humanitarian aid drop over northern Gaza on Tuesday as part of Operation Gallant Knight 3. This operation was launched in November 2023 to support Palestinian civilians. 

Joint teams from the UAE and Egyptian air forces carried out the operation, using three aircraft to drop approximately 42 tonnes of food and medical supplies. This brought the total aid delivered via air drops to 78 tonnes since the operation began. 

Footage showed military personnel hard at work as the aircraft flew over Gaza and dropped off supplies to help alleviate the crisis faced by the 2.3 million people trapped below. 

Gaza is in dire need of vast quantities of humanitarian aid after five months of war left many at severe risk of starvation. Basic necessities are scarce due to the blockade imposed by Israel.

 

Israel controls the entry of relief supplies into Gaza via the Rafah border with Egypt and the Kerem Shalom crossing. The Erez/Beit Hanoun land entry point has also been closed by Israel, while a maritime blockade is in place.

In addition to the air drops, the EU endorsed a plan on Tuesday to deliver aid to Gaza by sea. However, aid groups warn widespread famine can only be prevented if Israel allows more trucks carrying food over land. 

International pressure is mounting on Israel over the crisis, with the US issuing increasingly firm statements. The State Department says the aim is to establish a comprehensive aid strategy via air, land and sea routes to maximize humanitarian access.

In summary, the passage provides details on the UAE and Egypt conducting a second joint air drop of aid to Gaza, bringing relief to the besieged population struggling without basic necessities due to Israel's blockade. It outlines the obstacles to wider aid access and growing calls for Israel to ease restrictions.