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Jordanian helicopters have begun deliveries of aid to Gaza – the first since the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas was declared.<\/p>\n
The scene from the air reveals itself out of the midday haze – grey ruins and a lifeless landscape.<\/p>\n
As we land, the Jordanian air force men jump out first and make sure there is someone from the World Food Programme to receive the aid.<\/p>\n
A solitary figure in a hi-vis jacket approaches. <\/p>\n
Next to a barbed wire fence two trucks are waiting to bring the aid into nearby Khan Younis.<\/p>\n
There are no formalities. The aid is quickly unloaded. All the time the helicopter rotors keep turning.<\/p>\n
There is a sense of real urgency – there are 14 more helicopters waiting to follow us to the landing zone.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
The BBC was allowed to join the mission, which landed in Israeli-held territory in southern Gaza between the Israeli border and the town of Wadi al-Salqa.<\/p>\n
Although this is just the edge of the conflict zone, the area next to the landing strip resembles a wasteland after 15 months of war.<\/p>\n
I saw what appeared to be Israeli digging machines working in the area.<\/p>\n
The Jordanians deployed 16 helicopters for Tuesday’s operation.<\/p>\n
They are delivering medical supplies and baby formula which could spoil if transported on a long road journey.<\/p>\n
The Jordanian government’s official spokesman, Dr Mohammad al-Momani, told me the scenes of human suffering in Gaza were “horrific… and inhumane”.<\/p>\n
He said Jordan was joining with the international community to try and alleviate suffering.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n