The United States has conducted its first airdrop of aid for Gaza, providing over 30,000 meals to the region. This operation was carried out in collaboration with the Royal Jordanian Air Force, as announced by US Central Command. President Joe Biden had previously pledged to increase aid to Gaza following the tragic incident where at least 112 people were killed as crowds rushed a convoy. The airdrop was part of a larger effort to deliver aid to Gaza, including through land corridors and routes.
While other countries such as the UK, France, Egypt, and Jordan have previously conducted airdrops in Gaza, this marks the first time the US has done so. President Biden emphasized the need for Israel to facilitate the movement of trucks and expand routes to ensure that more people receive the necessary assistance. US officials have stated that Israel is supportive of this mission and that careful planning is being undertaken to ensure the safety of those on the ground.
Aid agencies have expressed concerns about the efficiency, cost, and complexity of airdrops as a means of delivering supplies. However, the fact that the US has chosen this method highlights the severity of the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the challenges of delivering aid by road.
The incident that prompted this increased aid occurred when a crowd gathered around aid lorries on the south-western edge of Gaza City. Tragically, 112 people were killed, and over 760 were injured. Hamas accused Israel of firing at civilians, while Israel claimed that most deaths resulted from a crush after warning shots were fired. Video footage and eyewitness accounts reveal gunfire and chaotic scenes as people scrambled for safety.
Giorgios Petropoulos, head of the Gaza sub-office of the UN Co-ordinator for Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), reported finding numerous individuals with bullet wounds at al-Shifa hospital. Mark Regev, special adviser to the Israeli prime minister, stated that Israel was not directly involved and that the gunfire came from “Palestinian armed groups.” Leaders from around the world have called for a thorough investigation into the incident.
The UN’s World Food Programme has warned of an imminent famine in northern Gaza, where little aid has been received in recent weeks. Approximately 300,000 people in this region are living with limited access to food and clean water. The Israeli military launched a large-scale campaign against Hamas, which is designated as a terrorist organization by Israel, the UK, and other countries, following an attack that resulted in the deaths of about 1,200 people in southern Israel. Since then, Gaza’s Hamas-run health ministry reports that over 30,000 people, including 21,000 children and women, have been killed, with thousands missing and tens of thousands injured.
The airdrop of aid by the US demonstrates a commitment to addressing the dire situation in Gaza. While airdrops may have their limitations, they serve as a tangible response to the urgent need for assistance. The international community continues to call for a thorough investigation into the incident that sparked this increased aid, highlighting the importance of accountability and justice. As the crisis in Gaza persists, it is crucial for nations to come together and provide the necessary support to alleviate the suffering of its civilians.