Israel authorizes aid air drops to Gaza to resume
Gaza Aid Drops Resume as Blockade Persists
Israel Opens Air‑Drop Window
Israel announced that humanitarian airdrops will again target Gaza, coordinating with the Israeli army, the civil affairs unit for Palestinian territories, and the Israel Air Force. The airdrop plan is backed by the COGAT and the IAF.
Humanitarian Corridors Established
Israel declared that it will open designated humanitarian corridors to allow UN convoys to move food, medicine, and people safely across the Strip. The goal is to improve the humanitarian situation and refute claims of deliberate starvation.
International Backing for airdrops
- UAE pledged to resume airdrops “immediately”, stressing that Gaza’s crisis has “reached a critical level.”
- UAE Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan issued a post on X announcing the resumption.
- UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer vowed to work with Jordan to restart airdrops and evacuate children needing medical assistance.
- Bahrain and Jordan were mentioned as potential partners by UK officials.
Concerns About airdrops’ Effectiveness
Humanitarian leaders remain doubtful that airdrops alone can quell Gaza’s severe hunger crisis. The key arguments are:
- Airdrops are expensive and inefficient.
- They produce limited coverage compared to overland convoys.
- There is a risk that some airdrop cargo can harm civilians if mismanaged.
- UNRWA head Philippe Lazzarini described airdrops as “not reversing the deepening starvation.”
Context of Blockades and Access Restrictions
Since March 2, 2024, Israel has maintained a total blockade on aid entry into Gaza. In late May, a limited flow of aid began to break through, but Israeli military claims it does not restrict the number of trucks and attributes return delays to UN agencies and relief groups.
Naval Blockade and Freedom Flotilla Incident
On Saturday evening, Israeli troops boarded the Handala — a supply boat of the pro‑Palestinian Freedom Flotilla coalition — as it approached Gaza, enforcing the maritime blockade. Three live‑feed videos were cut, and a subsequent interception of the Madleen by Israeli forces was reported.
Casualties Near Aid Distribution Points
A Gaza civil defence agency reported that over 50 Palestinians were killed on Saturday, including 14 near aid distribution centers. Media restrictions and challenging access mean that the toll cannot be independently verified.
Why the Conflict Intensifies
Israel’s campaign launched after the October 2023 Hamas attack, in which it reported 1,219 Israeli deaths (mostly civilians). According to the Hamas‑run health ministry, 59,733 Palestinians — mainly civilians — have died in the current conflict.
Looking Forward
While airdrops resume, international humanitarian groups emphasise the urgent need for overland convoy access to deliver sustained aid effectively. The future of Gaza’s relief will hinge on balancing security concerns with the humanitarian imperative.
