During President Joe Biden's administration, the United States military conducted extensive air drops of food aid into Gaza, delivering over a thousand tons of assistance. In contrast, officials say the Trump administration did not seriously consider air drops as a viable option, viewing them as unrealistic given the scale of need and logistical challenges. While close allies such as Jordan, the United Arab Emirates, and Britain have carried out air drops, humanitarian groups argue that such efforts are largely symbolic and insufficient compared to the urgent need for open land routes. The ongoing conflict has led to a severe humanitarian crisis in Gaza, with rising deaths from starvation and malnutrition, prompting international criticism and calls for more effective aid delivery methods.

President Trump has expressed support for creative solutions to help Palestinians in Gaza, including backing aid distribution efforts, but has also voiced frustration with the conflict and the effectiveness of current operations. Biden's administration faced pressure to alleviate suffering, leading to both air drops and the construction of a temporary aid pier, though challenges limited their impact. As the death toll in Gaza continues to rise, the debate over how best to deliver humanitarian assistance remains unresolved.