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Aid dropped into Gaza labelled a cover-up for international apathy

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As many as twenty-five NGOs have criticised aid packages being airdropped into Gaza. They say these efforts are creating the ‘illusion that they are doing enough’ rather than calling for an immediate and permanent ceasefire.

As a devastating humanitarian crisis continues in Gaza due to Israel’s near six-month war on Hamas, countries have begun airdropping and sailing in aid packages containing medical supplies and food to 2.3 million Palestinians.

These delivery methods are essentially a last resort, as Israeli soldiers have been blocking aid convoys at national borders and firing artillery at trucks with an array of supplies moving into Gaza. Israel, however, continues to place blame on UN agencies for the delay.

Earlier this month, the US dropped its first round of aid packages from the air. Videos of Palestinians running in their droves towards the lifesaving packages were posted across social media.

From these clips, it is obvious that the number of packages being dropped is not enough.

Only a few tons of food can be dropped from the air at a time, in an unsafe maneuver that is frustrating NGO members who are witnessing the extent of hunger and suffering taking place on the ground.

Cyprus announced a ship carrying 200 tons of flour was on its way to Gaza earlier this week.

Although these supplies are desperately needed as the population sinks deeper into a worrying hunger crisis – particularly in the northern region – human rights organisations are criticising these aid drops for not being enough.

In the last week alone, 20 people have reportedly died from malnutrition and dehydration. The week before, 10 Palestinian children died from starvation, according to humanitarian workers from the World Health Organisation.

Considering that hundreds of aid convoys carrying 100 tons of lifesaving aid sit waiting to enter on the other side of Gaza’s border, NGOs are rightfully calling for nations to prioritise calls for a lasting ceasefire so that sufficient supplies can reach Palestinians safely.

At least 25 organisations have signed a letter which states that airdropping aid is creating the ‘illusion that [countries] are doing enough to support the needs in Gaza.’

It reads: ‘Their primary responsibility is to prevent atrocity crimes from unfolding and apply effective political pressure to end the relentless bombardment and the restrictions which prevent the safe delivery of humanitarian aid.’

Occurring in Gaza right now is the largest proportion of any population in a food security crisis ever recorded by the Integrated Food Security and Nutrition Phase Classification (IPC).

Putting a stop to it will require more than a few drops from air and sea. It will require a halt to aggression and a full-scale humanitarian project that provides enough sustenance and medical supplies for a nation of 2.9 million people.

Senior Writer & Media Coordinator London, UK

I’m Jessica (She/Her). Originally from Bermuda, I moved to London to get a Master’s degree in Media & Communications and now write for Thred to spread the word about positive social change, specifically ocean health and marine conservation. You can also find me dipping my toes into other subjects like pop culture, health, wellness, style, and beauty.  Follow me on Twitter, LinkedIn and drop me some ideas/feedback via email.

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