The resumption of airdrops in parts of Gaza on Sunday has sparked controversy, with some Palestinians expressing frustration and dignity concerns over the method of aid delivery. Massad Ghaban, a resident of Beit Lahia in northern Gaza, described the airdrops as “insulting,” stating that the planes are a symbol of disrespect towards the Palestinian people. “From 6 a.m. until now we didn’t eat or drink. We didn’t get aid from the trucks. After that, they said that planes will airdrop aid, so we waited for that as well,” Ghaban said. “The planes are insulting for us. We are a people who deserve dignity.”
Ghaban’s sentiments are echoed by others in Gaza, who struggle to access the humanitarian aid once it has fallen to the ground. Mahmoud Soukar, another Palestinian, followed the planes in search of aid but returned empty-handed. “They dropped (the aid) around 3 kilometers from where people were gathered, and we didn’t get aid,” Soukar said. “This is a very difficult situation.”
The controversy surrounding airdrops stems from concerns over their effectiveness and safety. Humanitarian groups have criticized the method, citing its expense, inefficiency, and danger to those on the ground. In the past, pallets of supplies have crushed Palestinians, highlighting the risks associated with airdrops. Philippe Lazzarini, head of the UN agency for Palestinian refugees, called the drops a “distraction” and a “grotesque distraction” that will do little to alleviate suffering in the enclave.
Despite these concerns, proponents argue that airdrops can serve as an additional means to deliver aid to hard-to-reach areas and within a short period. The Israeli military has announced the establishment of designated corridors to enable the movement of United Nations convoys delivering aid to the Gaza population. However, aid organizations remain skeptical about the effectiveness of airdrops in addressing the deepening hunger crisis in Gaza.
The situation in Gaza is dire, with over 125 people, including 85 children, having died due to malnutrition, according to the Gaza Health Ministry. The head of the World Health Organization, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, has described the situation as a “man-made mass starvation.” Israel has been criticized for blocking aid deliveries to Gaza during the war, while Israeli officials maintain that they are allowing enough aid through but say it must be monitored to prevent misuse by armed groups.