US Airdrops Aid to Northern Gaza Amidst Growing Humanitarian Crisis
In a joint effort with Jordan, the United States conducted its second airdrop mission in northern Gaza on Tuesday, delivering 36,000 meals to the region. This comes after the World Health Organization reported that children in the area were dying of starvation, highlighting the dire humanitarian crisis unfolding in the north. However, while the airdrops are seen as a symbol of aid efforts, they have also sparked considerable discussion among humanitarian organizations who argue that they are insufficient to meet the soaring needs of the population.
The aid situation in Gaza has been a cause for concern, particularly in the north, which has been largely cut off from assistance in recent months. The Israeli ground offensive focused on this area, making it difficult for aid lorries to reach those in need. The collapse of civil order and violent looting have further complicated the delivery of aid. In fact, the World Food Programme had to suspend food deliveries to northern Gaza due to the chaos and violence experienced by their aid convoys.
Tragically, last Thursday, more than 100 Palestinians lost their lives as they rushed to reach an aid convoy escorted by Israeli forces. While Palestinian health officials claim that Israeli forces opened fire, Israel’s military argues that most deaths were caused by trampling or being run over by aid lorries. The situation on the ground is dire, with over 30,000 people killed since the conflict began.
The airdrops have become a crucial method of delivering aid to Gaza, with countries like France, the United Arab Emirates, Egypt, and Jordan joining the United States in these efforts. However, residents in Gaza have expressed their disappointment with the amount of aid dropped. Ismail Mokbel, a Gaza resident, stated that the aid packages consisted of only legumes and a few women’s health essentials. He emphasized that this method of aid delivery is not suitable for meeting the basic needs of the large number of people in the area.
Airdrops, while effective in certain situations, are considered a “last resort” due to their high costs and potential risks. Jan Egeland, the secretary general of the Norwegian Refugee Council, highlighted the expense and haphazard nature of airdrops, stating that they often result in aid reaching the wrong people. The World Food Programme also emphasizes the importance of controlling distribution to prevent people from consuming inappropriate or unsafe items. Airdrops require robust packaging to endure impact with the ground, and drop zones need to be large and open.
While some argue that the US should pressure Israel for a ceasefire and focus on providing humanitarian aid, others believe that food must be delivered by any means necessary. Samir Abo Sabha, a Gaza resident, called on the US to pressure Israel into a ceasefire and stop providing weapons. Aid workers also stress the importance of opening all crossings into Gaza for aid and aid workers to assist those in need.
As the crisis deepens, there is a growing consensus that food needs to be brought into Gaza by any means possible. José Andrés, a chef and founder of World Central Kitchen, which has been sending food to Gaza, believes that any initiative that brings food into the region should be applauded. President Biden has vowed to increase efforts to open a maritime corridor and expand land deliveries, but concrete actions are yet to be seen.
In the midst of this humanitarian crisis, it is clear that immediate action is needed to address the dire situation in Gaza. The airdrops, while a symbol of aid efforts, are not enough to meet the soaring needs of the population. It is crucial for countries like the US to work towards a ceasefire and ensure the delivery of humanitarian aid through all available channels. Only then can the people of Gaza receive the assistance they desperately need.