UK-based charity Medical Aid for Palestinians (MAP) has criticised a US plan to start airdropping aid into Gaza in the “coming days”, Al Jazeera reports.

“Instead of dropping packages from the sky – some of which end up in the sea or outside of Gaza and which the most vulnerable cannot reach in any case – the US, the UK and others should ensure that Israel immediately opens all crossings into Gaza for aid and aid workers to assist those in need,” MAP’s CEO Melanie Ward told Al Jazeera in a statement.

“This includes the Karni and Erez crossings which give direct access to the north of Gaza. Only safe and unfettered access for aid and aid workers, lifting of the siege, and an immediate ceasefire can end starvation in Gaza.”