US Starts Airdropping Aid To War-Hit Gaza As Israeli Strikes Continue
The U.S. has initiated airdrops of aid into the conflict-stricken Gaza area as Israeli strikes persist.
The UN is alerting to possible famine in Gaza, where over 100 individuals died recently during chaos at a food aid convoy, with Israeli troops firing upon the crowd.
On Saturday, American aircraft delivered 38,000 meals to Gaza amidst a series of planned drops by the U.S. to alleviate the humanitarian crisis. This effort follows the dire warning issued by the UN and the violent death of more than 100 Gazans in a recent struggle for aid, where Israeli soldiers shot at civilians.
President Joe Biden, responding to increasing domestic pressure concerning the Palestinian situation, had confirmed these airdrops the day prior.
The U.S. military announced on social media that they and the Royal Jordanian Air Force executed the drops to provide crucial relief.
US cargo planes released 38,000 meals along Gaza's coastline to allow civilians to gather essential supplies as part of ongoing efforts, which include expanding aid through land routes.
A CENTCOM representative informed AFP that the dropped rations were hog-free, adhering to Islamic dietary laws.
Despite air drops, ground delivery remains vital. Hamas's October 7 attack and consequent Israeli retaliation have devastated Gaza, with over 30,000 civilian deaths and plummeting truck aid resulting in critical shortages.
While the UN accuses Israel of blocking Gaza access, which Israel disputes, other countries have also air-dropped supplies. Jordan, with support from nations like Britain, France, and the Netherlands, and a combined Egyptian and UAE mission, have participated in relief drops.
Biden is urging Israel to mitigate civilian harm and allow for aid distribution while still supporting Israel's military. The U.S. intends multiple air drops in the coming weeks, supplementing ground efforts.
National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby highlighted the operation's complexity and the risk to both civilians in Gaza and the U.S. military personnel involved.
On Saturday, American aircraft delivered 38,000 meals to Gaza amidst a series of planned drops by the U.S. to alleviate the humanitarian crisis. This effort follows the dire warning issued by the UN and the violent death of more than 100 Gazans in a recent struggle for aid, where Israeli soldiers shot at civilians.
President Joe Biden, responding to increasing domestic pressure concerning the Palestinian situation, had confirmed these airdrops the day prior.
The U.S. military announced on social media that they and the Royal Jordanian Air Force executed the drops to provide crucial relief.
US cargo planes released 38,000 meals along Gaza's coastline to allow civilians to gather essential supplies as part of ongoing efforts, which include expanding aid through land routes.
A CENTCOM representative informed AFP that the dropped rations were hog-free, adhering to Islamic dietary laws.
Despite air drops, ground delivery remains vital. Hamas's October 7 attack and consequent Israeli retaliation have devastated Gaza, with over 30,000 civilian deaths and plummeting truck aid resulting in critical shortages.
While the UN accuses Israel of blocking Gaza access, which Israel disputes, other countries have also air-dropped supplies. Jordan, with support from nations like Britain, France, and the Netherlands, and a combined Egyptian and UAE mission, have participated in relief drops.
Biden is urging Israel to mitigate civilian harm and allow for aid distribution while still supporting Israel's military. The U.S. intends multiple air drops in the coming weeks, supplementing ground efforts.
National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby highlighted the operation's complexity and the risk to both civilians in Gaza and the U.S. military personnel involved.
