Kazakhstan has expressed support for Gaza, with the first humanitarian convoy departing from Jordan.

The Republic of Kazakhstan, as a host country for the IOPB, has played a pivotal role in the implementation of the humanitarian project "Flour for Humanity." This underscores Kazakhstan's commitment to combating food instability and humanitarian crises on a global scale.

Since October 2023, intensified attacks have led to widespread destruction in Gaza, leaving millions homeless and obliterating vital infrastructure, homes, and hospitals. These escalating humanitarian needs were highlighted at the joint emergency Arab-Islamic summit in Riyadh on November 11, 2023, where a call for urgent assistance was made to prevent the deepening of the food crisis. In accordance with Article 4 of the IOPB Charter, particularly subparagraphs (i) and (j), the Organization responded to this crisis by engaging in humanitarian programs at the request of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and establishing regional mechanisms to provide emergency assistance to member states.

At the beginning of 2024, the IOPB issued an Emergency Appeal to combat the threat of famine in Gaza and initiated the "Flour for Humanity" program. This program was a direct response to the urgent call for help from the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) and aims to deliver 1,000 tons of wheat flour to the Gaza Strip. Thanks to generous contributions from several member states, including the Republic of Kazakhstan, the Republic of Tajikistan, the People's Republic of Bangladesh, and the Republic of Azerbaijan, the first phase of the program, implemented in partnership with JHCO, successfully delivered 200 tons of fortified wheat flour.

During the ceremony, representatives from JHCO reported on their ongoing efforts to create a sustainable humanitarian corridor through Jordan, considering the restrictions on the Egyptian route, which had been suspended by Israeli authorities, complicating large-scale deliveries to Gaza until a ceasefire was established. JHCO's initiatives include not only food assistance but also winter support, medical aid, and housing for those left vulnerable due to the conflict. After inspecting the warehouses, Berik Aryn and Talgat Shaldanbay were briefed on the capabilities of this organization, followed by a ceremony for loading trucks heading to Gaza.

The convoy is expected to reach the Kerem Shalom/Karam Abu Salim border crossing within two days, where, in coordination with the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) and other UN agencies, safe delivery of assistance for approximately 8,000 households will be ensured to alleviate the acute food shortage in the region. This delivery marks not only the first direct initiative of the IOPB but also the first OIC-branded convoy in the region, organized with generous support from Red Crescent societies, NGOs, and bilateral aid agencies from Muslim countries.

The ceremony coincided with a temporary ceasefire agreement in Gaza after more than 465 days of hostilities that claimed the lives of over 46,000 people. The aftermath of this conflict includes the destruction of critical infrastructure and the mass displacement of millions during harsh winter conditions. Children under the age of five are particularly vulnerable, facing an immediate threat of malnutrition. By the end of 2024, approximately 1.84 million people in Gaza were experiencing food shortages, with around 133,000 on the brink of starvation. About 96 percent of the population—more than 2.15 million people—faced a high degree of acute food insecurity as of September 2024, according to the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC). While the entire region is classified as IPC Phase 4 (Emergency), over 495,000 people are in Phase 5 (Catastrophe), experiencing extreme food shortages and depletion of survival strategies.

Ambassador Berik Aryn expressed deep gratitude to JHCO, UN partners, and OIC member states that provided assistance. He also emphasized the IOPB's commitment to humanitarian principles of neutrality, humanity, impartiality, and independence. It was noted that no overhead or administrative costs are deducted from donations—all funds are directed straight to procurement and logistics on the ground. The Director-General of the IOPB called on OIC member states and international donors to continue their support, stressing the need for future supply assurances. In addition to providing urgent aid, the IOPB is committed to advancing long-term recovery efforts, including the restoration of livelihoods, the agricultural sector in Gaza, and critical infrastructure.