Local paramedics reported a tragic incident off the northern Gaza coast near Beit Lahia on Monday, where at least 12 Palestinians lost their lives attempting to recover airdropped parcels that had unfortunately fallen into the sea.
Witness Abu Mohammad highlighted the inaccessibility of the aid. It was dropped too far from the coast and landed in treacherous waters. The devastating outcome saw multiple individuals, tragically meet their demise in a desperate attempt to retrieve assistance meant for them.
“There were strong currents and all the parachutes fell in the water. People want to eat and are hungry,” he said. “I haven’t been able to receive anything. The youth can run and get these aid (drops), but for us it’s a different story.
“We call for the opening of the crossings in a proper fashion, but these humiliating methods are not acceptable,” added Abu Mohammad.
Airdropped aid in Gaza has resulted in fatalities and injuries, criticized as inefficient by human rights groups.
Hamas has called on Western countries to immediately halt the practice of conducting airdrops of aid into Gaza, asserting that this method of humanitarian delivery is not only offensive and wrong but also completely inappropriate and utterly useless. Hamas has consistently maintained a critical stance towards airdrops, labeling them as futile and ineffective in effectively delivering much-needed aid to the region.
Israel’s strict restrictions on aid in Gaza have led to dire supply shortages, risking famine for over 2. 2 million people. Humanitarian groups accuse Israel of using starvation as a war tactic, potentially constituting a war crime. Israeli inspections hinder relief efforts significantly.
There has been a notable rise in aid entering Gaza, with nearly 200 trucks daily compared to around 100 in February, as confirmed by a senior US defense official on Tuesday.
The tragic loss of lives occurred mere hours after Washington permitted the UN Security Council to pass a resolution urging for an urgent cessation of hostilities in Gaza. This significant resolution, put forth by the 10 non-permanent members of the Security Council, not only calls for an immediate ceasefire during the holy month of Ramadan but also demands the prompt and unconditional release of hostages.
Additionally, it emphasizes “the urgent need to expand” the distribution of essential aid into Gaza, highlighting the dire humanitarian situation in the region.
Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz refused to comply with the UN resolution. Amnesty International urged Israel to stop bombing Gaza, provide humanitarian aid, and release civilian hostages promptly.
The lack of clarity surrounding which country carried out the specific airdrop on Monday that tragically resulted in fatalities raises serious concerns about accountability and transparency. Multiple nations including Egypt, Germany, the UK, the US, Singapore, and a joint UAE-Jordanian mission conducted airdrops over Gaza on that fateful day.
However, the Israel Defense Forces’ inability to confirm the precise timings of these airdrops only adds to the confusion and highlights the need for a more thorough investigation and disclosure of such sensitive military actions.
The Pentagon reported that three aid bundles from a total of 80 dropped over Gaza ended up in the sea due to parachute malfunctions during the US airdrop.
Another eyewitness to the mass drowning in Beit Lahia urged regional leaders to “look at us and have mercy on us.” “No one is looking after us,” said Abu Mahmoud al-Nather. “We are dying, our children are dying. What are you doing? Where is the world’s conscience?”
George Eliason
