US Initiates Humanitarian Airdrops to Gaza
In a recent development, the US has commenced airdropping essential humanitarian aid into Gaza as confirmed by two US officials. This initiative aims to provide much-needed support to the region amidst challenging circumstances.
The United States provided humanitarian aid to Gaza by air on Saturday, as confirmed by two US officials. This action came after President Joe Biden's statement that the US would make every effort to deliver more aid to the besieged region.
According to a US official, three US C-130s dropped humanitarian supplies over Gaza on Saturday.
A total of 66 bundles were dropped, with 22 coming from each aircraft, according to the official. These bundles contained meals meant for the population of Gaza, as there was a lack of water or medical supplies provided.
During a meeting in the Oval Office with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, President Biden announced that the US would soon be conducting airdrops of food aid into Gaza. Biden expressed his frustration with the slow pace of assistance reaching the territory, emphasizing the urgent need for aid to be delivered more quickly. He mentioned that efforts were underway to negotiate a ceasefire that would enable the smooth flow of additional aid into Gaza.
Palestinians walk through the destruction from the Israeli offensive in the Jabaliya refugee camp in the Gaza Strip on Thursday, February 29, 2024.
Palestinians walk through the destruction from the Israeli offensive in the Jabaliya refugee camp in the Gaza Strip on Thursday, February 29, 2024.
Mahmoud Essa/AP
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Biden said he would “insist” that Israel allow more trucks and routes for aid into Gaza.
Biden emphasized the importance of Israel increasing the number of trucks and routes to deliver necessary aid to those in need. He stated that there should be no excuses when it comes to saving innocent lives, especially those of children.
While other countries like Jordan and the United Arab Emirates have used air-drops to provide aid to Gaza, this recent operation marked the first time the United States has done so.
Several aid agencies had criticized the US plans to drop food aid into Gaza as ineffective before Saturday's operation. The United Nations had warned that hundreds of thousands in Gaza were on the brink of famine.
Richard Gowan, the UN director of the International Crisis Group, expressed his concerns on social media. He stated, "Humanitarian workers often point out that airdrops may look good in photos, but they are not an efficient way to deliver aid."
This story and headline have been updated with additional information.
CNN’s Sophie Tanno contributed to this report.
Editor's P/S:
The humanitarian crisis in Gaza is deeply concerning, and the United States' efforts to provide aid are commendable. However, it is important to recognize the limitations of airdrops as a means of delivering assistance. Airdrops can be ineffective and inefficient, especially when it comes to providing essential items like water and medical supplies.
It is crucial for the United States and other international actors to work together to find more effective ways to deliver aid to Gaza. This may involve negotiating a ceasefire, increasing the number of trucks and routes for aid delivery, and exploring alternative methods of providing assistance, such as land or sea routes. The ultimate goal should be to ensure that the people of Gaza have access to the resources they need to survive and rebuild their lives.
