After more than 100 Palestinians were killed for seeking food, President Joe Biden finally decided to drop food in pallets over Gaza on March 2, 2024. And now, for the third time this week, on March 7th, American C-130 cargo planes have dropped aid in Gaza. According to CENTCOM, these airdrops using the C-130 cargo plane are part of a larger effort to support the people in Gaza. CENTCOM explained, “These airdrops are part of a sustained effort and we continue to plan follow on aerial deliveries." Read on to learn more about the humanitarian aid effort and the plane that is responsible for its success.Suggested read: Women in the Marines: Why They Stay Longer

Why Did the US Veto Humanitarian Aid to Gaza?

Finding a way to provide Gaza aid is proving to be as complicated as anything else involved with the Israeli-Hamas War. Many support the idea but the details can’t be fully ironed out. Part of this is because while aid to the Gaza Strip is needed, and virtually agreed upon as a good thing, the conditions surrounding its delivery remain divisive. When the U.N. Security Council votes to expand humanitarian aid in Gaza, there are controversies about Hamas letting go of the hostages that remain in their custody along with the terms of a ceasefire. Humanitarian aid in Gaza faced a veto from the United States and an abstained vote by the United Kingdom. Both countries have made calls for aid, but also remain supportive of Israel as a major Middle Eastern ally. Despite the aid for Gaza hitting snags before, eventually, the U.S. was able to provide supplies to civilians below. However, even these airdrops are controversial and debate over whether or not the food is appropriate for the task at hand is facing scrutiny.

The Mighty C 130 Cargo Plane Is Feeding Thousands

The C-130 military cargo plane performs different kinds of missions. Some of those being airlift support, Antarctic ice resupply, aeromedical missions, weather reconnaissance, and more. The plane itself has many features, such as a loading ramp for heavy items. Some others include: a door in the tail that can accommodate palletized loads, vehicle slots, and a lift capacity up to 42,000 pounds.When the U.S. entered the Korean War, they realized they didn't have reasonable military transportation to lift troops and deliver them to austere airfields. Therefore, in 1951, they voiced the need for a reliable medium cargo transport.

The Gaza Airdrop Is a Much Needed Effort

Since the war began, Israel has made it difficult for Palestinians to have access to food. The C-130 cargo plane delivers aid to remote places when necessary. The supplies were dropped in southwest Gaza, along the territory’s Mediterranean coast. Additionally, the coordination included the Royal Jordanian Air Force, who has conducted several rounds in recent months. Related read: BETA Technologies Is Working With the USAF to Deliver an Electric Fleet

Why the C-130 Aircraft for This Mission?

The C-130 is primarily for tactical airlift missions. The plane is capable of navigating rough terrain, dirt strips, grass, and is ideal for transport and airdropping troops into various areas. The C-130 is in use throughout the U.S. Air Force. In fact, it serves the Air Mobility Command, the Air Force Special Operations Command, the Air Combat Command, the U.S. Air Forces in Europe, Pacific Air Forces, the Air National Guard, and the Air Force Reserve Command. The plane has two available versions, which include the basic and specialized aircraft. These versions help the C-130 perform a variety of different roles and missions. Some of these missions include firefighting, disaster relief, airlift support, and more.

Is Gaza The Only Place Where the Plane Has Been In Use?

Has this been the only time the C-130 cargo plane has dropped humanitarianism? The answer is no, the C-130's purpose is to drop aid in country such as Afghanistan, Iraq, and Haiti. It is also a part of “Operation Christmas Drop” that drops toys, supplies, and food in the Federal States of Micronesia and the Republic of Palu. Additionally, it has also been used to drop bombs, retrieve satellites in midair, and attack ground targets with cannons.

More Gaza Aid Possible but Ramadan Ceasefire Looks Bleak

After Palestinians were killed in Gaza City, the voices of an international outcry demanding a ceasefire grew even louder. However, rebels continue to attack ships in the Red Sea, hostages are still missing, and the intentions of both sides still seem to work against the idea of peace. Help is necessary for the millions at risk of starvation but doesn’t provide the ceasefire many are calling for. American aid to Gaza comes right before Ramadan, which will begin March 10. Many are emphasizing the Muslim holy month as a reason to begin a ceasefire. There is hope by President Biden but both sides still haven’t brokered a deal. Merchant vessels are under attack, Palestinians are caught in the middle, and sides aren’t moving closer together at any sort of quick pace. Regardless of the ceasefire or politics, it’s clear that from a humanitarian standpoint, further Gaza aid is necessary. Read next: Israel Gaza Conflict Is Already Gaining American Involvement Updated by Buddy Blouin