The U.S. military carried out its third joint airdrop of humanitarian aid into the Gaza Strip on Thursday afternoon local time.
U.S. Army soldiers who specialize in aerial delivery carried out the operation jointly with the Jordanian Air Force on C-130 aircraft. The United States dropped over 38,000 meals on Thursday. The U.S. has now carried out three airdrops of humanitarian aid this week, totaling more than 110,000 meals.
“The DoD humanitarian airdrops contribute to ongoing U.S. and partner-nation government efforts to alleviate human suffering,” U.S. Central Command said in a statement. “These airdrops are part of a sustained effort and we continue to plan follow on aerial deliveries.”
In addition to the war, Palestinians in Gaza are facing the threat of famine and widespread disease due to the lack of humanitarian aid, including clean drinking water and food. International entities have warned about the deteriorating situation, which prompted President Joe Biden’s decision to move forward with the airdrops.
The administration has indicated its intent to carry out additional airdrops as it seeks to flood Gaza with the aid it desperately needs.
Following the first airdrop, which occurred last weekend, a senior administration official told reporters that it was not “coordinated with any specific group on the ground,” though “the sites were specifically chosen as ones where we thought there was the greatest likelihood of safety.”
The Biden administration has largely supported Israel in the aftermath of Hamas’s Oct. 7 terrorist attack that left roughly 1,200 people dead and ignited the current war.
The administration has strongly supported Israel’s right to defend itself, even though officials have called for Israel to do more to protect Palestinian civilians for months. Despite the growing death toll, the administration has yet to condition its military aid to Israel, even as progressive-left members of his own party encourage him to do so.
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The U.S. is among a small group of countries that includes Qatar and Egypt that are acting as mediators between Hamas and Israel. The three countries have spent months attempting to get both sides to agree to a ceasefire deal.
The most recent proposal, as outlined by U.S. officials, includes the cessation of fighting for about six weeks, which will allow for a surge of humanitarian aid into the strip, in exchange for the release of the more than 100 hostages still held by Hamas.
