Airdrops of aid into Gaza come with “real limits and drawbacks”, a minister has admitted after a UN chief criticised their use to deliver humanitarian aid.
Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury James Murray told Sky News’ Sunday Morning With Trevor Phillips show: “I absolutely accept and recognise that there are real limits and drawbacks with airdrops when it comes to aid, but I also think that until the restrictions are lifted, until aid is able to get in at the scale and quantity that is needed, we need to be doing everything we possibly can to help.
“And that’s why we’re working with the Jordanian authorities to get aid in through airdrops… This is desperate and urgent.”
Philippe Lazzarini, Commissioner-General of the UN agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA), previously said airdrops “will not reverse the deepening starvation”.
“They are expensive, inefficient and can even kill starving civilians,” he said. “It is a distraction and screensmoke.”
He added: “A manmade hunger can only be addressed by political will. Lift the siege, open the gates and guarantee safe movements and dignified access to people in need.
“Driving aid through is much easier, more effective, faster, cheaper and safer. It’s more dignified for the people of Gaza.”
