Canada said it carried out its first independent humanitarian airdrop over the Gaza Strip on 4 Aug., releasing 21,600 pounds (10.8 tonnes) of food and other relief supplies from a Canadian Armed Forces CC-130J Hercules. The operation, conducted in coordination with Global Affairs Canada, responded to what Ottawa called a rapidly worsening humanitarian crisis after almost 22 months of war. Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand and Defence Minister David McGuinty accused Israel of violating international humanitarian law by restricting overland deliveries and urged the opening of all crossings. Prime Minister Mark Carney added that Canada is working with partners on a broader peace plan to ensure aid moves at scale. The Israeli military said the drop formed part of a joint effort by six nations—Canada, Jordan, the United Arab Emirates, Egypt, Germany and Belgium—that released 120 aid packages this week. Canada also reiterated plans to seek UN recognition of a Palestinian state in September, a move that would increase diplomatic pressure on Israel, which denies any breach of international law and blames Hamas for Gaza’s shortages.