By Grace Chigbu
In response to the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza, the United States has announced plans to conduct airdrops of food and supplies into the region. This decision comes after a tragic incident where over 100 people were killed and hundreds more injured while attempting to access a relief convoy.
US President Joe Biden stated that the airdrops would commence soon, emphasizing the urgent need to provide aid to the over five lakh people in the Gaza Strip. The US government is also exploring additional methods to deliver assistance to those in need.
Several other countries, including Jordan and France, have already conducted airdrops of aid into Gaza in recent days.
The rush to collect aid from trucks on Thursday resulted in the deaths of at least 115 Palestinians and left over 750 others injured, according to Gaza’s Hamas-run health ministry. While Hamas officials allege that Israeli troops opened fire on the crowds, Israel has denied these claims, attributing the deaths to a stampede.
President Biden stressed the need for increased aid to Gaza, stating, “Innocent lives are on the line, and children’s lives are on the line. We won’t stand by until we get more aid in there.” He also mentioned the possibility of establishing a maritime corridor to facilitate the delivery of larger quantities of aid.
White House spokesperson John Kirby indicated that the airdrops would be part of a sustained effort, with the initial drops likely consisting of military Meals Ready-to-Eat (MREs).
President Biden expressed hope for a temporary ceasefire between Israel and Hamas by the start of Ramadan on March 10. However, he acknowledged that the deaths of Palestinians seeking aid on Thursday presented a setback to the dialogue process.
The US government’s commitment to providing humanitarian aid to Gaza underscores the urgent need to address the unfolding crisis in the region. As efforts continue to alleviate the suffering of the people of Gaza, international cooperation and support remain critical in achieving lasting peace and stability in the region.
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