Germany said it was joining an air bridge operation along with several other countries to drop desperately needed humanitarian aid into the Gaza Strip, AFP reports.

The operation, initiated by Jordan, already has the participation of several other countries including France and the United States.

The defence ministry said it would deploy the German part of a joint German-French air transport squadron to participate in the mission.

The team is equipped with C-130J Hercules transport planes, said the ministry, adding that Germany’s operation could begin as soon as the end of this week.

“The people in Gaza are lacking the most basic necessities. We want to do our part to ensure that they get access to food and medicine,” said Defence Minister Boris Pistorius. After one parachuted airdrop turned lethal on March 8, the minister sought to allay fears.