Biden To Airdrop Aid To Gaza, Hopes For Ceasefire By Ramadan1 min read
U.S. President Joe Biden announced on Friday plans to carry out a first military airdrop of food and supplies into Gaza, a day after the deaths of Palestinians queuing for aid threw a spotlight on an unfolding humanitarian catastrophe in the crowded coastal enclave.
Biden said the U.S. airdrop would take place in the coming days but offered no further specifics. Other countries, including Jordan and France, have already carried out airdrops of aid into Gaza.
President Joe Biden said he hopes to see a deal for a ceasefire in the Israel-Gaza War in time for the start of Ramadan.
The Muslim holy month, during which members of the faith fast from dawn to sunset, will begin on 10 or 11 March.
Asked whether he expected a deal by then, Mr Biden said: “I’m hoping so. We’re still working real hard on it.”
It comes amid tense ceasefire negotiations and as pressure builds on Mr Biden to help curtail the conflict.
A proposed deal would see a 40-day pause in all military operations from the start of Ramadan as well as an increased flow of aid into Gaza, a source close to the talks told Reuters news agency.
It would also reportedly include an agreement for the release of Palestinian prisoners in exchange for Israeli hostages at a ratio of 10 to one.
The exact start of Ramadan is marked by the first sighting of the crescent Moon, so can vary from place to place.
