Washington, DC – US military C-130 cargo planes conducted an emergency humanitarian aid drop over Gaza on Saturday. The airdrop was authorized by President Joe Biden after a chaotic encounter where over 100 Palestinians were killed by Israeli troops while trying to access aid from a convoy.
Three planes from Air Forces Central dropped 66 bundles of food, totaling about 38,000 meals, into Gaza. The drop was coordinated with the Royal Jordanian Air Force, which had also conducted food airdrops in the region. President Biden expressed the need for more aid to flow into Gaza, emphasizing the importance of addressing the dire situation.
The airdrop operation involved US Air Force and RJAF C-130 aircraft, along with Army Soldiers specialized in aerial supply delivery. The use of military Meals Ready to Eat (MREs) in the airdrop aimed to provide civilians with essential sustenance during the crisis. The US administration monitored the airdrop sites to ensure safe access for civilians to the aid.
Following the tragic events in Gaza, where many Palestinians lost their lives while receiving aid, the US government announced plans to continue airdrops to the region. White House national security spokesperson John Kirby highlighted the importance of safely delivering emergency assistance to those in need on the ground.
The C-130 aircraft’s ability to land in challenging environments makes it a valuable asset for delivering aid to remote locations. Loadmasters secure bundles onto pallets for release, allowing for quick and efficient distribution of supplies during humanitarian missions. Airdrops have been a crucial method of delivering aid in past crises, including conflicts in Afghanistan, Iraq, and Haiti.
The ongoing conflict in Gaza has led to severe shortages of essential supplies, with a quarter of the population facing starvation. While airdrops are seen as a measure of last resort by aid officials, they play a vital role in providing immediate relief to those in need. The international community continues to mobilize efforts to address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza through various means of assistance.