March 13, 2024
Release Number 20240313 - 01
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
TAMPA, Fla. – U.S. Central Command conducted the ninth air drop of humanitarian assistance into Northern Gaza on March 13, 2024, at 1:17 p.m. (Gaza time) to provide essential relief to civilians affected by the ongoing conflict.
The joint operation included two C-130s and one C-17 Globemaster III U.S. Air Force aircraft, and U.S. Army Soldiers specialized in aerial delivery of U.S. humanitarian assistance supplies.
U.S. C-17 and C-130s dropped over 35,712 U.S. meal equivalents and 28,800 bottles of water into Northern Gaza, an area of great need, allowing for civilian access to the critical aid. This was the first time a C-17 was used to deliver aid since the air dropping of humanitarian aid began on March 2, 2024.
The DoD humanitarian airdrops contribute to ongoing U.S. and partner-nation government efforts to alleviate human suffering. These airdrops are part of a sustained effort, and we continue to plan follow-on aerial deliveries.