Spain has dropped roughly 12 tonnes of aid across Gaza.
Credit: Anas-Mohammed/Shutterstock
Some viral videos this month claim that Spain’s humanitarian aid dropped in Gaza contained pork or allegedly stale food.
The controversy started after a clip, posted by a Palestinian journalist named Alam El-Din Sadiq, showed a young boy opening a bag of aid in Khan Yunis and Deir al-Balah, alleging the supplies were mouldy and later sold in markets for over NIS 300 (about €75).
Other reports claim that Spanish humanitarian aid in Gaza included ‘pork meatballs’ and pork, a food that the Islamic religion prohibits Muslims from eating.
Spanish authorities’ response: “It’s halal-certified!”
Over the last two months, Spain has dropped roughly 12 tonnes of aid across Gaza via 24 parachutes, with the goal of feeding around 11,000 people. This was part of a joint effort with France, Germany, the UAE, and Jordan, created to bypass blocked crossings and deliver essential rations directly.
Spanish authorities were quick to clarify the accusations: “All packages sent have the expiration date in order, all are hermetically sealed, and have all the necessary certificates. The delivery note for the rations purchased and distributed by AECID clearly states they will expire on June 30, 2026.” Every portion is halal-certified, they assured.
An Alicante-based company delivered the packages
The aid packages carry the Jomipsa brand, an Alicante-based company specialised in humanitarian rations. The company supplies ready-to-eat meals, hygiene kits, and specialised aid to governments, NATO, the Red Cross, UNRWA, and UNICEF. It also offers customisable meals, including halal options for Muslims.
Unfortunately, the packages in question couldn’t be verified, as batch numbers were unknown. “Without the number, it’s impossible to verify,” the Spanish authorities claimed.
Gaza: a catastrophic humanitarian crisis
Beyond the food controversy, Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel Álvarez has highlighted the deeper crisis in Gaza. Speaking in May, he called the hunger situation “a serious violation of international law” and described delays in aid as life-threatening.
All in all, while the viral videos sparked outrage online, Spanish officials were clear: the aid was safe, certified, and even halal.
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