In a series of coordinated international efforts, humanitarian aid is being delivered to the Gaza Strip amidst escalating conflict and a deepening humanitarian crisis. The BBC recently reported from onboard a US military transport plane, showcasing the US’s involvement in 18 missions to drop essential supplies, including 40,000 ready-prepared meals, over the besieged region. This operation, involving nations such as the UK, France, Germany, Jordan, Egypt, and the UAE, comes as parts of Gaza face a severe hunger crisis, with the UN human rights chief suggesting the situation could amount to a war crime.

The urgency of the crisis was underlined by a recent ruling from the world’s top court, which ordered Israel to allow food aid into Gaza. The US State Department has highlighted the risk of famine in northern Gaza, with some areas facing starvation. In response, the US President, Joe Biden, has promised the establishment of a maritime aid corridor, expected to be operational by mid to late April, to enhance aid deliveries.

Amidst these developments, the UK has also played a significant role, with the RAF conducting its second airdrop of over 10 tonnes of food supplies, including rice, flour, oil, baby food, and water, into Gaza on Good Friday. The airdrop, part of a Jordanian-led initiative, was lauded by Defence Secretary Grant Shapps as evidence of the UK’s commitment to alleviating the crisis in Gaza. This follows a shipment of 2,000 tonnes of UK food aid delivered by land.

These efforts reflect a broader international response to the worsening situation in Gaza, marked by constraints on aid delivery and the immediate needs of the population. The effectiveness of these aid missions amidst the ongoing conflict continues to be a subject of international concern and scrutiny.