Stop and Drop 2.0

In late 2023, I called for air-drops of food into Gaza. Now they are needed more than ever.

In December, 2023, greatly relieved, I updated my Stop and Drop article with the news that air drops had begun in earnest (see photo). Not long afterwards, US naval engineers built a temporary landing dock off a beach in Gaza, and began shipping in aid. Unfortunately, the dock proved to be incapable of weathering storm waves and was abandoned after only a couple of month of service.

Air drops did not resume. But, by then, some aid was arriving overland.

Recently, Israel shut down all aid delivery. Under pressure, it has organized its own aid delivery, but the operation is both inadequate and shambolic, and too frequently deadly for those trying to access it.

A recent attempt to deliver aid by sea as been thwarted by Israel piracy. It was similar action by Israel in 2023 that prompted my call for air drops. It seems only fitting to revive that call … with even greater urgency.

Israel should be invited to witness planes being load with emergency supplies. Whether or not Israel accepts the invitation, the flight plans of the airplanes should be announced in advance. Weather permitting, the plans should be carried out with or without Israel’s blessings.

Israel would not dare to shoot down the airplanes.

Of course, no flight would be entirely risk free. There could be unauthorized anti-aircraft fire. The pilot and crew would have to be willing to brave the odds.

Obviously, if major governments were to back the effort, Israel would be particularly thorough in ensuring their safety. It worked in early 2024, it can work again.

So, STOP bemoaning the situation, and start air DROPs ASAP!