UN Warns Airdrops of Aid to Gaza Are ‘Inefficient’ and a ‘Distraction’ From Real Solutions

UN Warns Airdrops of Aid to Gaza Are ‘Inefficient’ and a ‘Distraction’ From Real Solutions
As humanitarian catastrophe intensifies in Gaza, the United Nations has sharply criticised the emerging international plan to airdrop food and medical supplies into the territory. UNRWA Commissioner General Philippe Lazzarini described such operations as “expensive, inefficient and a distraction” from lifting the siege and reopening ground corridors, which he says are the only viable and dignified means of sustaining the population.
"Airdrops will not reverse the deepening starvation," Lazzarini said. "They even risk the lives of starving civilians -it's a screensmoke that diverts attention from real action. Driving aid through crossings is faster, safer, cheaper and more effective."
The warning follows public statements from Jordan and the United Arab Emirates, which have received Israeli approval to resume aerial aid deliveries. The UK has also signaled support: Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer confirmed UK participation in planned drops and a team of British logisticians is joining Jordan in preparations.
Despite this, major humanitarian organizations-including the World Food Programme (WFP), Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), Oxfam, and Doctors Without Borders—have voiced strong reservations. They argue that airdrops deliver too little volume relative to need, create dangerous crowds, and risk misdirected or spoiled supplies, particularly in an environment lacking basic survival infrastructure like electricity.
Tragically, Gaza’s population continues to face dire conditions. According to MSF, the number of children under five suffering from severe malnutrition has tripled in just two weeks. The UN estimates that nearly one-third of Gaza’s residents are going without food for days, with tens of thousands requiring urgent nutritional treatment. More than 100 people have already died of starvation in recent weeks. Long-targeted UN aid trucks now face intensified restrictions, and distribution sites have repeatedly become deadly chaos zones, with upwards of 1,000 fatalities recorded among those gathering for food.
In light of this escalation, Lazzarini stressed: only lifting the siege, opening all crossings safely, and resuming full UN-led aid convoys will address the crisis. He added that using airdrops as a substitute amount to politicizing hunger and sidestepping Israel’s obligation under international humanitarian law.

Sources:
The Guardian, BBC News ,AP News ,Reuters