JERUSALEM, Aug. 15 (Xinhua) -- The Israel Defense Forces said in a statement that seven countries carried out an airdrop of 127 aid packages across the Gaza Strip on Friday.

According to the statement, Singapore joined the air operation for the first time, alongside the United Arab Emirates, Jordan, Germany, Belgium, France, and Italy.

Since Israel allowed airdrop campaign to resume in late July amid international pressure, 12 countries have participated, delivering around 1,700 aid packages into Gaza.

However, UN agencies have termed the airdrops as expensive and inefficient, urging Israel to allow aid into Gaza by land.

Meanwhile, Palestine's official news agency, WAFA, reported Friday that six Palestinians were killed as an Israeli assault targeted aid seekers northwest of the Gaza Strip.