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U.S. President Joe Biden has announced plans for the first military airdrop of food and supplies into Gaza following the recent deaths of Palestinians waiting for aid.
As Reuters, reports, Biden emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating that more aid is necessary to address the unfolding humanitarian crisis. The airdrop, expected in the coming days, will be part of a sustained effort, according to White House spokesperson John Kirby.
The United States is considering a maritime corridor to deliver additional aid to Gaza, with a potential start for airdrops as early as this weekend. The move comes as the UN warns that over 576,000 people in Gaza are on the brink of famine.
While the specific aircraft for the airdrop remains unclear, retired U.S. Air Force General David Deptula expressed confidence in the military's ability to execute the operation effectively.
Despite the initiative, concerns linger about the impact of airdrops on the root causes of the crisis and the possibility of aid falling into the hands of Hamas. Some experts advocate for aid convoys following a truce as a more sustainable solution.
In addition to airdrops, the Biden administration is exploring the possibility of shipping aid by sea from Cyprus. However, challenges persist due to Gaza's dense population and ongoing conflict.
While Israel has previously attempted airdrops into Gaza, the U.S. aims to bolster aid efforts in collaboration with international partners. Biden's announcement was marked by a brief confusion regarding the location of aid, momentarily conflating it with Ukraine.
Despite the challenges, the UN managed to deliver aid to northern Gaza for the first time in over a week, providing essential supplies to alleviate the growing crisis. However, the number of aid trucks entering Gaza remains below the target needed to address the escalating humanitarian needs.
[With information sourced from Reuters]
