The airdrops, which some aid experts criticized as insufficient and largely symbolic, contribute “to ongoing U.S. government efforts to provide lifesaving humanitarian assistance to the people in Gaza,” the statement said.
“We are conducting planning for potential follow-on airborne aid delivery missions.”One of the U.S. officials briefing reporters on the operation on Saturday said that 66 pallets had been dropped over Gaza.
The U.S. did not coordinate its operation with Hamas or any other group on the ground, the official said.
The operation was intended to be the first in a sustained campaign of airdrops, the official said, adding that the United States is also exploring other avenues of bringing more aid into Gaza, including by sea.
The official and others at the briefing spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss military operations and diplomatic efforts.
Locations:
Gaza, U.S, airdrops, United States