Washington, DC – The United States and Jordan collaborated on a humanitarian effort to air-drop aid into Gaza recently. After President Joe Biden pledged to do everything possible to provide support to the beleaguered region, a joint operation by the US Air Force and the Royal Jordanian Air Force successfully delivered 38,000 meals along the Gaza coastline. The mission involved a total of 66 bundles dropped by three aircraft, with no water or medical supplies included in the deliveries.
According to a statement from the US Central Command (CENTCOM), these airdrops are part of an ongoing initiative to increase aid distribution in Gaza, with plans to expand aid flow through various land corridors and routes. The White House officials labeled Saturday’s operation as “successful” and emphasized the importance of future similar efforts in the coming days and weeks.
In a press briefing, a senior administration official announced that the Defense Department is intending to conduct additional airdrops in Gaza soon, although specifics were not divulged. President Biden, in a recent speech alongside Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, expressed frustration over the slow pace of aid reaching Gaza and vowed to work towards brokering a ceasefire to facilitate more assistance.
Stressing the urgency of the situation, Biden insisted that Israel must allow more trucks and routes to ensure that essential aid reaches those in need without any delays or obstacles. While countries like the United Arab Emirates and France have previously air-dropped aid into Gaza, the recent mission marked the first such endeavor by the US.
Criticism from various aid agencies regarding the effectiveness of food aid airdrops preceded Saturday’s operation. The United Nations reports a looming famine crisis in Gaza, with hundreds of thousands of residents at risk of severe food shortages. Richard Gowan, the International Crisis Group’s UN director, echoed concerns about airdrops being a suboptimal method of aid delivery, calling them more for show than practical assistance.
As the situation in Gaza remains precarious, the international community continues to monitor and respond to the urgent humanitarian needs of the region. Efforts to provide essential support to the people of Gaza will likely require a multi-faceted approach involving various stakeholders in the days ahead.