The United States has taken action to provide vital humanitarian aid to Gaza amidst the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas. On Tuesday, the US sent the first of three military planes to Egypt, carrying food, medical supplies, and winter gear for the people of Gaza. This marks the first time the US military has used military assets to deliver humanitarian aid during this crisis. The relief flights come as President Joe Biden announced his intention to use the extension of the truce to increase aid deliveries to Gaza.

With 1.7 million people internally displaced and 2.2 million in need of humanitarian assistance, the increased supplies are crucial in saving lives and easing the suffering of vulnerable individuals in Gaza. The United Nations will receive the aid from Egypt's North Sinai region and transport it into Gaza. Two more planeloads of aid are expected to arrive in the coming days. Additionally, Qatar, acting as a mediator, has announced a 48-hour extension of the initial four-day truce, allowing for the release of hostages seized by Hamas. During the first four days of the truce, 800 aid trucks reached southern Gaza from Egypt, with some aid also reaching the heavily affected northern Gaza.

The volume of assistance has been significant, leading to the need for a backfill, which these military planes will help fulfill. While the US has deployed two aircraft carriers to deter Iran and its allies and provided military assistance to Israel, this is the first time it has utilized military assets to deliver humanitarian aid during this conflict. President Biden has firmly backed Israel while urging it to reduce civilian casualties. He emphasized that the truce has enabled a significant surge in aid to Gaza. However, the White House noted that Israel has made it clear that it will continue its war on Hamas once the truce ends.

The US has warned Israel against causing the same mass displacements in southern Gaza that its offensive in the north previously triggered. The government of Israel has been reminded by the US that such displacements are unacceptable. The conflict between Israel and Hamas began on October 7 when Hamas launched attacks on Israel. Israel responded with a relentless bombing campaign and ground offensive in Gaza. Israel claims that the initial attack resulted in the death of 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and the hostage-taking of around 240 more.

The Hamas government, on the other hand, states that the Israeli offensive has resulted in the deaths of 15,000 individuals, including thousands of children. The United States remains committed to supporting the people of Gaza and working with the international community to provide urgent aid. The delivery of humanitarian assistance via military means showcases the US's determination to address the pressing needs in the region and alleviate the suffering of thousands of individuals in Gaza.