In a tragic and shocking accident, a humanitarian airdrop parachute failed to open in Gaza. The incident killed at least five people and injured many others. The parachute came crashing down onto a group of civilians who had gathered to receive food in north of Gaza City’s Shati refugee camp. The Gaza government media office condemned the failed airdrops as “useless” and said that it was more about “flashy propaganda” than actual humanitarian assistance.
The Gaza government in a statement said that it had previously warned that the airdrops pose a threat to the lives of people residing in the Gaza Strip. The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs had reported that half a million people, representing one in four individuals in Gaza, are at risk of famine. This tragedy underscores the challenges of delivering much-needed aid to Gaza due to Israeli restrictions.
UNRWA, the main UN organization in Gaza, stated that since January 23, Israeli authorities have prohibited them from transporting supplies to the northern part of the strip. The World Food Programme also faced obstacles, with their first convoy to the north in two weeks being forced to turn back on Tuesday due to military restrictions.
While various nations, including Egypt, the United States, Jordan, and the United Arab Emirates, have conducted airdrops, relief organizations criticize these efforts as costly and ineffective. The looming famine in Gaza, according to the UN, appears “almost inevitable” if immediate action is not taken.
The scarcity of food in Gaza is attributed to military activities, insecurity, and significant transportation barriers. Health officials in Gaza reported over 30,000 deaths during the five-month conflict.
Amidst these challenges, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) is set to hold historic hearings on the legality of Israel’s 57-year occupation of Palestinian territories. Coinciding with Israel’s ongoing military offensive in Gaza, the ICJ proceedings focus on the occupation of the West Bank, Gaza, and East Jerusalem since 1967.
(With ANI Inputs)