Iraq launches first Gaza aid flights of 2026

BAGHDAD, Iraq (MNTV) — Iraq launched its first humanitarian airlift of 2026 to support Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, dispatching a relief aircraft carrying food assistance, the Iraqi Air Force Command said.

According to an official statement, a C-130 military transport aircraft departed in the morning from Martyr Mohammed Alaa Air Base, heading to Al-Arish Military Airport in Egypt with the initial consignment of aid bound for Gaza.

The shipment, weighing 18 tonnes, consists of food supplies that will be transferred to Gaza through the Egyptian Red Crescent, in coordination with the Iraqi Red Crescent, as part of ongoing humanitarian cooperation between the two organizations.

Iraqi authorities said the latest airlift builds on previous relief campaigns that delivered food, medical supplies and emergency assistance to Palestinians, describing the effort as part of Iraq’s continued commitment to humanitarian solidarity.

Baghdad has also contributed 25 million US dollars to humanitarian programs for Palestinians, alongside fuel and emergency aid provided through the Iraqi Red Crescent.

The aid delivery comes amid warnings from the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) that Israeli forces remain deployed in more than half of Gaza, limiting access to humanitarian facilities. 

Israel has also suspended the operations of over 20 international aid organizations in the enclave, deteriorating post-genocide conditions to the next level.