April 16, 2024
Release Number 20240416-02
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
TAMPA, Fla. – U.S. Central Command conducted an air drop of humanitarian assistance into Northern Gaza on April 16, 2024, at 11:57 a.m. (Gaza time) to provide essential relief to civilians affected by the ongoing conflict.
The joint operation included two C-130 U.S. Air Force aircraft, and U.S. Army Soldiers specialized in aerial delivery of U.S humanitarian assistance supplies.
The U.S. C-130s dropped approximately 25,300 U.S. meal equivalents into Northern Gaza, an area of great need, allowing for civilian access to the critical aid. To date the U.S. has dropped 891 tons of humanitarian assistance.
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.