JERUSALEM, Aug. 18 (Xinhua) -- The Israeli military said on Monday that nine countries airdropped 180 food packages over Gaza, part of a daily effort to deliver relief to the besieged enclave.

Jordan, the United Arab Emirates, Germany, Belgium, France, Italy, the Netherlands, Singapore, and Indonesia took part in the operation, the army said in a statement. The military added that the airdrops were carried out "in accordance with directives from the political echelon."

Israel's nearly 22-month offensive and blockade of Gaza have devastated the territory, leaving much of it in ruins and creating famine conditions. Nearly 62,000 people have been killed since the war began in October 2023, according to Gaza's health authorities.

Aid agencies and experts say the airdrops are insufficient, unsafe, and ineffective in halting hunger. They have urged Israel to allow in more truck convoys and to enable the rebuilding of Gaza's health system, which has been largely destroyed by airstrikes.

Starvation deaths are rising daily, health officials say. As of Monday, at least 263 people -- including 112 children -- have died of hunger in Gaza, according to the Palestinian Health Ministry. Enditem