Five die as aid package falls on people during airdrop in Gaza

Reports indicate that five people died when a parachute malfunctioned during an aid drop in Gaza on Friday.

According to eyewitnesses and Gaza’s health ministry, the tragedy occurred when at least one parachute failed to deploy, causing a package to fall on the victims.

The Gaza doctor, as quoted by AFP news agency, confirmed the death toll. However, the claim has not been independently verified. The specific air drop involved in the incident remains unclear.

Various countries, including the US, Jordan, Egypt, France, the Netherlands, and Belgium, have been conducting aid drops in Gaza amidst concerns of famine. Jordanian state TV denied involvement of a Jordanian aircraft in the incident.

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CBS News reported the incident occurring around 11:30 local time, while US Central Command confirmed a joint aid drop with the Royal Jordanian Air Force around 13:30 local time. US General Patrick Ryder stated that their aid bundles landed safely and were not involved in the incident.

The United Nations warns that a significant portion of Gaza’s population is on the brink of famine, with children facing starvation. Aid organizations have criticized the air drops as insufficient to meet the escalating need.

Efforts are underway to establish alternative routes for aid delivery, including plans for a sea route and construction of a temporary harbor by the US. Western countries are urging Israel to expand aid delivery by road, particularly to the north of Gaza, which has been largely cut off from assistance.

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Israel denies hindering aid entry into Gaza and accuses aid organizations of inefficiency in distribution. Despite aid convoys entering the south of Gaza, the north, previously targeted in Israeli military operations, continues to suffer from food and water shortages.

The recent tragic incident underscores the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza, where thousands are in urgent need of assistance amid ongoing conflict and blockade.