US, Jordan conduct joint aid airdrop to Gaza

The United States, Israel's main ally, and other countries have called on Israel to allow in more humanitarian aid.

 IDF soldiers in Gaza, while humanitarian aid is seen being airdropped to Gazan residents above, February 28, 2024. (photo credit: IDF SPOKESPERSON UNIT)
IDF soldiers in Gaza, while humanitarian aid is seen being airdropped to Gazan residents above, February 28, 2024.
(photo credit: IDF SPOKESPERSON UNIT)

US and Jordanian aircraft on Saturday dropped food supplies to Palestinian civilians trapped in the Gaza Strip in a joint humanitarian aid operation, US Central Command said in a statement.

The airdrops by a US Air Force C-130 aircraft and a Royal Jordanian Air Force C-130 aircraft came as the main UN agency working in the enclave said that one in three children under age two is acutely malnourished. It warned of looming famine.

US Central Command called the airdrops "part of a sustained effort and we continue to plan follow-on aerial deliveries."

Humanitarian issues in Gaza

Much of Gaza is under rubble and its 2.3 million Palestinian residents are facing food shortages more than five months after Israel launched an air and ground offensive following the Oct. 7 rampage into Israel by Hamas terrorists.

The United States, Israel's main ally, and other countries have called on Israel to allow in more humanitarian aid. Israel blames UN agencies for slow deliveries, saying it puts no limits on assistance.

 Over 38,000 Meals Ready to Eat and water destined for an airdrop over Gaza are loaded aboard a U.S. Air Force C-130J Super Hercules at an undisclosed location in Southwest Asia, March 1, 2024. U.S. Air Force (credit: REUTERS)
Over 38,000 Meals Ready to Eat and water destined for an airdrop over Gaza are loaded aboard a U.S. Air Force C-130J Super Hercules at an undisclosed location in Southwest Asia, March 1, 2024. U.S. Air Force (credit: REUTERS)

The United States began aid airdrops on March 2 and is planning to begin a sealift from the island of Cyprus.