JERUSALEM - U.S. military crews conducted another air drop of humanitarian assistance into Northern Gaza on Friday to provide essential relief to civilians affected by the ongoing conflict, according to a statement from the U.S. Central Command. However not all the bundles are reaching those in need.
During the Friday mission, approximately 26 bundles landed in the sea. U.S. Central Command does not assess civilian harm or damage to infrastructure at this time but continues to monitor the situation.
The U.S. military confirmed March 9, that humanitarian airdrops into the Gaza Strip carried out by other countries into the Gaza Strip killed civilians. Officials did not identify the countries involved.
“We are aware of reports of civilians killed as a result of humanitarian airdrops,” the statement read. “We express sympathies to the families of those who were killed. Contrary to some reports, this was not the result of U.S. airdrops.”
The joint operation Friday included two C-17 U.S. Air Force aircraft, and U.S. Army Soldiers specialized in aerial delivery of U.S humanitarian assistance supplies.
U.S. C-17s dropped over 46,000 U.S. meal equivalents into Northern Gaza, an area of great need, allowing for civilian access to the critical aid. It was the third air drop in the past seven days.
The U.S. Department of Defense humanitarian airdrops contribute to ongoing U.S. and partner-nation government efforts to alleviate human suffering. These airdrops are part of a sustained effort, and we continue to plan follow-on aerial deliveries.