Gaza Authorities: Desperate Rush for Airdropped Aid Results in Multiple Drownings
Gazan health authorities reported on Tuesday that 12 people allegedly drowned Monday off a Gaza beach while attempting to reach aid that had been airdropped into the embattled enclave.
A video of the purported air drop showed masses of people rushing toward the beach in northern Gaza, scrambling toward the sea as parachutes holding the aid floated down.
Monday’s tragedy was among several recent deadly incidents involving aid drops, presenting further challenges in delivering vital humanitarian aid to Gaza.
In the video, lifeless bodies can be seen floating in the water while others attempt to rescue individuals.
International aid organizations argue that airdropped aid shipments, while helpful, are insufficient to meet the needs of the Gazan population. They continue to emphasize the importance of increasing overland deliveries as well.
According to a piece of paper attached to Monday’s airdrop, the United States delivered the shipment in question.
The Israeli government has maintained that it does not specifically limit the number of supplies entering Gaza. Instead, it argues that UN agencies responsible for aid distribution are inefficient in ensuring that aid reaches civilians rather than Hamas fighters.
