US President Joe Biden announced on Friday that the U.S. would initiate airdrops of humanitarian aid into Gaza in the coming days, responding to what he described as a “tragic and alarming event” in North Gaza.
More than 100 people died as they sought food aid trucks, and Israeli forces guarding the trucks opened fire.
“The loss of life is heartbreaking. People are so desperate that innocent people got caught in a terrible war unable to feed their families, and you saw the response when they tried to get aid in,” he said during an Oval Office meeting with Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.
“And we need to do more in the United States, will do more. In the coming days, we’re going to join with our friends in Jordan and others in providing airdrops …,” but Biden, 81, said Ukraine when he meant Gaza.
Biden highlighted plans to join forces with allies like Jordan to conduct airdrops and expand land deliveries. He emphasized the necessity of increased aid flow into Gaza, stressing, “Innocent lives are on the line, and we won’t stand by until we get more aid in there.”
Following Biden’s remarks, White House National Security Communications Advisor John Kirby elaborated on the complexity of humanitarian assistance airdrops, emphasising meticulous planning and a commitment to sustained efforts.
He outlined the upcoming operation’s focus on delivering Meals Ready to Eat (MREs) and collaboration with international aid organisations for distribution.
Kirby assured that the initial airdrops would be followed by further deliveries, acknowledging the challenging conditions in densely populated Gaza.
Additionally, he mentioned the administration’s exploration of options for a maritime aid delivery corridor, signaling a comprehensive approach to addressing the humanitarian crisis in the region.
The Palestinian death toll in the Gaza Strip rose to 30,228 as the Israeli military killed 193 people in the past 24 hours, the Health Ministry in Gaza said Friday.
