The United States is considering the option of conducting airdrops of aid into Gaza as the humanitarian crisis in the region worsens and efforts to deliver assistance to the affected population face challenges, as per two US officials who spoke to CNN on Wednesday.
US officials have emphasized the urgent need for increased efforts to ensure that essential aid reaches the people in Gaza, where over 2 million individuals are facing a severe risk of famine, as reported by the United Nations.
One US official mentioned that airdrops are being carefully considered in response to the current conditions on the ground.
This week, relief aid was airdropped by Jordan, Egypt, the UAE, Qatar, and France to different areas in the Gaza Strip, indicating the severity of the situation. The news outlet Axios initially reported that the US is investigating the possibility of conducting similar airdrops.
Top US officials have urged Israel to open more crossings to facilitate the entry of aid into Gaza, as the number of trucks entering the region dropped to less than 100 per day last week, as reported by US Agency for International Development Administrator Samantha Power.
In a video message from the Kerem Shalom crossing on Wednesday, Power emphasized the urgent need for additional crossings to be opened, stating that the current situation in Gaza is rapidly deteriorating and that two crossings are simply not sufficient for the people of Gaza.
"We are in discussions with Israeli authorities regarding the urgent necessity to increase the number of crossings and passages into Gaza to significantly boost the delivery of crucial humanitarian aid," stated Power. "This is a critical issue that can mean the difference between life and death."
According to a US official, Power held meetings on Wednesday with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant.
Editor's P/S:
The humanitarian crisis in Gaza is a stark reminder of the suffering and desperation faced by millions of people living under siege. The consideration of airdrops by the United States is a necessary response to the challenges in delivering aid through ground crossings. It is imperative that the international community and relevant authorities work together to ensure the safe and timely delivery of essential supplies. The opening of additional crossings, as advocated by USAID Administrator Samantha Power, is crucial to alleviate the severe risk of famine and provide much-needed assistance to the people of Gaza.
The deteriorating situation in Gaza underscores the urgency of finding long-term solutions to the underlying political and economic issues that have led to this crisis. The international community has a responsibility to support efforts towards a just and lasting peace that respects the human rights and dignity of all Palestinians. The airdrop of aid is a temporary measure that should not distract from the need to address the root causes of the humanitarian crisis and work towards a sustainable future for Gaza.