Amid efforts to collect aid airdropped over Gaza, a devastating tragedy unfolded as 12 Palestinians lost their lives after drowning in the sea while attempting to retrieve food packages. The Gaza government’s media office confirmed a total of 18 casualties in the aftermath of the aid distribution.
In addition to the 12 individuals who tragically drowned, six others were fatally trampled in chaotic scenes described as “stampedes” when aid packages landed on the ground, as stated in an official statement.
The Gaza government swiftly condemned the airdrops, denouncing them as “offensive, wrong, inappropriate, and useless.” They issued a plea for an immediate cessation of such operations, citing the grave risks and loss of life incurred during the retrieval process.
The backdrop of the tragedy underscores the longstanding blockade imposed by Israel on the Gaza Strip, exerting control over the movement of people, goods, and essential supplies. The dire humanitarian situation in Gaza has exacerbated tensions, with the recent events highlighting the urgent need for a comprehensive resolution to the ongoing crisis.
