The Tragic Story of Uday al Qaraan: A Call for Change in Gaza’s Aid Delivery
Five days before his tragic death caused by a falling aid package, Uday al Qaraan, a devoted father of two and a 32-year-old medic, made a heartfelt plea to global leaders. He urged them to open Gaza’s borders to essential food supplies while expressing deep concern over the controversial airdrop method of delivering aid. “This isn’t aid delivery,” he stated, surrounded by children scavenging through remnants of an airdrop. “This is humiliation.”
Using a combination of social media footage, satellite imagery, eyewitness accounts, and flight tracking data, Sky News has thoroughly investigated the risks posed by airdrops and their minimal impact on Gaza’s ongoing hunger crisis.
Airdrop Chaos: The Day Uday Was Killed
On August 4th, at approximately 11:50 AM, a tragic incident unfolded at a tent camp along the central Gaza coast. Sky News analyzed six videos of the airdrop that ultimately killed Uday. Flight tracking data confirmed that the only aid plane in the vicinity at that time was a UAE Armed Forces C-130 Hercules. As the footage reveals, 12 pallets were released from the aircraft, but chaos erupted when some parachutes tangled, causing pallets to fall uncontrollably.
Eyewitness Sakhr al Qaraan, Uday’s neighbor, recounted the harrowing moment: “He didn’t see the other pallet tangled with it, and it fell on him moments later. People rushed to collect the aid, devoid of humanity, and he suffocated under that blanket—under the feet of those desperate for food.” Despite being pulled from the crowd and rushed to the hospital, it was too late for Uday.
The UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs has not responded to requests for comment regarding this incident.
The Risks of Airdrops in Gaza
This incident was not isolated. Just one day prior, the same aircraft conducted an airdrop over the same area, and footage shared by the UAE Armed Forces revealed that one parachute was already broken. Hisham al Armi, who recorded the scene from the ground, confirmed multiple parachute failures during the eight consecutive days of airdrops between July 30 and August 6. Sky News verified videos showing parachute malfunctions in four of those incidents.
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) explained that airdrops are concentrated along the coast because that is where many displaced individuals have taken refuge. An IDF spokesperson asserted that the military takes measures to minimize harm to civilians. However, many locals, like Hisham, feel the negatives of airdrops outweigh the positives. “Fighting breaks out when aid is dropped, and lives are lost due to the chaos and parachute failures,” he stated.
The Human Cost of Inadequate Aid
The dangers of airdrops extend beyond the chaos at landing zones. Footage from July 29 depicted Palestinians risking their lives to chase aid that had drifted into the sea, despite a ban from the IDF on entering the water. Uday’s relative, who witnessed his death, described the airdrops as “airborne humiliation,” emphasizing the dire shortage of aid. “There isn’t enough for everyone. It creates conflicts among people, and some are killed just to obtain a little assistance. Many remain hungry for days.”
Between July 27 and August 1, Gaza received an estimated 1,505 tons of food aid daily via land routes, which still fell short of the UN’s recommended amount by 533 tons. Airdrops contributed a mere 38 tons daily—just 7% of the shortfall.
Sam Rose, Gaza director of UNRWA, highlighted the inadequacy of airdrops, noting that the scale of need far exceeds the quantities delivered. UNRWA has enough food to last for three months outside Gaza, but Israel has not permitted entry since March 2. “We should focus on addressing the core issues rather than relying on dangerous and undignified airdrops,” he stated.
The Israeli agency responsible for coordinating aid, COGAT, claimed there are no limits on the amount of aid entering Gaza, while an IDF spokesperson denied any restrictions on assistance.
A Plea for Change
In his last interview, Uday al Qaraan implored world leaders to reconsider their approach to aid in Gaza. “What if they just let the aid in?” he asked. “If they can fly planes and drop aid from the sky, then they can break the siege and open a land crossing.”
The tragic story of Uday al Qaraan serves as a poignant reminder of the urgent need for reform in humanitarian aid delivery to Gaza. As the international community grapples with the complexities of this crisis, it is essential to prioritize the dignity and safety of those in desperate need of assistance.
Conclusion
The challenges facing Gaza are immense, but with concerted efforts and a commitment to improving humanitarian access, there is hope for a brighter future. By addressing the root causes of the crisis and exploring more effective and humane methods of delivering aid, we can work towards a solution that honors the dignity of all individuals affected by this ongoing tragedy.
