The United States conducted an aid operation in the Gaza Strip, dropping food packages from C-130 cargo planes in response to the worsening humanitarian crisis amidst Israel’s ongoing conflict with Hamas. The aid consisted of 38,000 meals aimed at the largely Muslim population of Gaza. This move underscored a growing gap between Washington and Israel’s approaches to the conflict.
Despite the aid drop being welcomed by Gazans, it occurred amidst friction between the Biden administration and Israel. The U.S. urged Israel to permit additional aid convoys and cautioned against further military action in Gaza. Aid groups warned of increasing malnutrition, especially among children, due to limited food supplies and criticized the efficacy of aerial aid delivery.
The operation highlighted the challenges faced by humanitarian organizations in providing aid to Gaza’s 2.2 million people since Israel’s military campaign against Hamas began. The number of aid trucks entering Gaza has decreased, exacerbated by recent Israeli airstrikes on aid convoys and a suspension of funding to UNRWA.
The U.S. and its allies are exploring alternative delivery methods, including sea routes, but stress the importance of reopening land crossings for efficient aid distribution. Negotiations between Hamas and Israel, facilitated by the U.S., Qatar, and Egypt, aim to secure a ceasefire and increase aid delivery, with a long-term resolution to the conflict still under discussion.
Vice President Harris is set to meet with Israeli officials to address humanitarian concerns and discuss plans for post-conflict recovery. Meanwhile, the Biden administration faces broader challenges in the Middle East, including heightened insecurity due to ongoing conflicts, such as Yemen’s civil war and Houthi attacks on commercial vessels.
The sinking of the MV Rubymar, allegedly due to a Houthi attack, adds to the regional tensions and underscores the complexity of the geopolitical landscape. The U.S. and its allies are taking measures to counter Houthi aggression, including conducting strikes on Houthi targets.
