"We make sure that all the aid we send can get through Gaza. Hence, instead of sending something that is considered wasteful, please make sure that the aid will be useful and allowed to enter Gaza," he stated.
However, Iqbal did not divulge details on what items would be sent to Gaza though confirmed that Indonesia would not provide aid that would make it difficult to enter Gaza, such as water filters or oxygen cylinders.
Regarding the technical aspects of sending aid, he noted that humanitarian aid from Indonesia would be sent from Jakarta to El Arish Airport in Egypt, which is the closest to Gaza.
From the airport, aid will be handed over to the Egyptian Red Crescent to then be distributed to Gaza through the United Nations Agency for Palestinian Refugees (UNRWA) and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) — as two humanitarian agencies operating in Gaza, he stated.
"We cannot send the aid directly to Gaza. Until now, our distribution scheme is realistic. We deliver the aid to El Arish Airport and hand it over to the Egyptian Red Crescent because it is the only agency allowed to send aid to Gaza," Iqbal remarked.
Humanitarian aid from Indonesia is planned to depart on Saturday (October 4) from Halim Perdanakusuma Airport and will be released by President Joko Widodo.
The aid will be transported by two Indonesian Air Force C-130 Hercules aircraft and one rented aircraft.
The war between Hamas, a Palestinian militant group, and Israel reignited on October 7, 2023, when Hamas launched a massive attack on Israel from the Gaza Strip. Until now, the war continues, with casualties reaching nine thousand lives, including more than three thousand children who died.
Related news: Government strives to evacuate one Indonesian family from Gaza
Related news: Indonesian agency to provide health assistance in Gaza
Related news: President Jokowi lauded for commitment to helping Palestinians in Gaza
Translator: Yashinta Difa P, Resinta Sulistiyandari
Editor: Azis Kurmala
Copyright © ANTARA 2023
