] U.S. President Joe Biden speaks during his visit to the U.S.-Mexico border in Brownsville, Texas, U.S., February 29, 2024. REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque
U.S. President Joe Biden declared plans on Friday to conduct the inaugural military airdrop of essential provisions into Gaza, prompted by the tragic deaths of Palestinians awaiting aid. The incident underscored a burgeoning humanitarian crisis in the densely populated coastal enclave. President Biden asserted that the U.S. airdrop would transpire in the ensuing days, withholding detailed specifics. Notably, other nations, including Jordan and France, have already implemented airdrops of assistance into Gaza.
Emphasizing an enduring commitment, White House spokesperson John Kirby elucidated that airdrops would evolve into a sustained initiative, with the inaugural drop likely comprising military Meals Ready-to-Eat (MREs). President Biden conveyed that the United States is exploring the prospect of establishing a maritime corridor to facilitate substantial aid deliveries to Gaza. The anticipated commencement of airdrops could materialize as early as the approaching weekend, according to officials.
A report from the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs disclosed that at least 576,000 individuals in the Gaza Strip, constituting a quarter of the population, are on the brink of famine. Gaza health authorities reported over 100 casualties among individuals attempting to access a relief convoy near Gaza City on Thursday. The prevailing desperate circumstances, exacerbated by a five-month conflict initiated by a Hamas attack on Israel, have led to severe shortages, compelling residents to resort to consuming animal feed and even cacti for sustenance.
The U.N. faces substantial impediments in delivering aid, with medics lamenting the dire conditions in hospitals where children are succumbing to malnutrition and dehydration. While the aircraft type for airdrops remains unspecified, the C-17 and C-130 are deemed well-suited for the task. Retired U.S. Air Force General David Deptula asserted that airdrops align with the capabilities of the U.S. military, acknowledging inherent challenges but deeming them surmountable.
President Biden expressed optimism about a potential temporary ceasefire coinciding with the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan, commencing on March 10, which could facilitate increased aid delivery. Nonetheless, questions have arisen regarding the efficacy of airdropping aid into Gaza. A U.S. official, speaking anonymously, contended that airdrops would have limited impact without addressing the root cause, advocating for the necessity of opening land borders.
Concerns were also raised about aid falling into the hands of Hamas, given the absence of U.S. troops on the ground. Critics argued that airdrops, while providing temporary relief, are not a sustainable solution, favoring aid convoys following a truce. Responding to domestic and international pressures, the Biden administration is reportedly considering sea shipments from Cyprus, approximately 210 nautical miles off Gaza’s Mediterranean coast.
White House spokesperson Kirby acknowledged the formidable challenges of airdrops in the densely populated and conflict-ridden Gaza. The U.S. has persistently urged Israel to permit increased aid access to Gaza, a plea met with resistance. An Israeli official in Washington acknowledged awareness of the humanitarian airdrop but did not disclose whether the U.S. sought prior Israeli agreement or coordinated the effort with Israel.
President Biden’s announcement of aid to Gaza was marred by verbal lapses, wherein he twice confused it with Ukraine. Notably, the U.N. managed to deliver aid to northern Gaza after a week-long hiatus, providing medicines, vaccines, and fuel to al-Shifa hospital in Gaza City. The World Food Programme previously paused food aid deliveries to northern Gaza due to safety concerns. UNRWA reported a decline in the number of trucks entering Gaza, falling short of the target of 500 per day.
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