Hamas has appealed to donor countries to cease their airdrops following the tragic drowning of 12 individuals attempting to retrieve parachuted food aid from the sea off Gaza’s Mediterranean coast, as reported by AFP. Hamas and the Swiss-based Euro-Med Human Rights Monitor reported six fatalities resulting from stampedes during aid distribution. Gaza resident Mohamad al-Sabaawi stated the dire circumstances, stating, “People are dying just to get a can of tuna.” In response to the escalating humanitarian crisis, Hamas has urged Israel to permit more aid trucks to enter the territory. The United Nations warns of an impending “man-made famine” in Gaza after nearly six months of conflict. UNICEF stated the urgent need for increased aid delivery by road to avert catastrophe. Despite these efforts, the US National Security Council announced its intention to continue both road-based aid deliveries and airdrops. AFPTV footage depicted chaotic scenes of crowds rushing towards aid packages dropped by parachute from planes dispatched by Jordan, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, and Germany
