**Air Drops to Gaza: A “Grotesque Distraction” from the Real Crisis**
Leaders of aid agencies have spoken out against the focus on air drops in Gaza, calling it a “grotesque distraction” that will not address the worsening starvation crisis. Despite Israel’s announcement that it would allow aid to drop into Gaza and create humanitarian corridors for UN convoys, many experts warn that this approach is not enough to reverse the dire situation.
**Aid Agencies Warn of Inadequacy**
Ciaran Donnelly of the International Rescue Committee stated that air drops “can never deliver the volume or quality” of assistance needed. This warning comes as more than 100 international aid organizations and human rights groups have sounded the alarm about mass starvation on the Strip.
**UN Warning: Almost a Third of Gazans Haven’t Eaten in Days**
The United Nations warns that almost one-third of Gazans have not eaten for days, with over 90,000 women and children urgently needing treatment due to what it called a “man-made mass starvation.” Hamas’ Gaza health ministry announced five more deaths caused by malnutrition on Saturday, bringing the total death toll to 127, including 85 children.
**Air Drops: Expensive, Inefficient, and Dignity-Defying**
Philippe Lazzarini of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) warned that air drops are “expensive and inefficient” and can even kill hungry civilians if they go wrong. He emphasized that his organization has the equivalent of 6,000 trucks in Jordan and Egypt waiting for permission to enter Gaza.
**Lifting the Siege: A More Dignified Solution**
Lazzarini called for “political will” to lift the siege, open the gates, and ensure safe movement and dignified entry to those in need. He stated that driving aid through is easier, more efficient, faster, cheaper, and safer. This approach would also bring greater dignity to the people of Gaza.
**The Dangers of Air Drops**
Several aid organizations have warned about the dangers of dropping tens of thousands of tonnes onto densely populated Gaza. Shaina Low, of the Norwegian Refugee Council, said that people were “drowning” as they tried collecting aid that had blown into the Mediterranean. She also reported instances where boxes had crushed people as they fell.
**The Human Cost**
Palestinians are struggling with dehydration and starvation. One mother told BBC that she was living without food or drink, with no access to basic necessities like water. “We crave even water,” she said, highlighting the dire situation on the ground.
**Conclusion**
As aid agencies and experts warn of the inadequacy of air drops in addressing Gaza’s starving crisis, it is clear that a more dignified solution is needed. Lifting the siege and allowing safe movement of UN convoys with food and medicine would be a more effective way to alleviate the suffering of the people of Gaza.
Read More @ www.bbc.com
