Spaghetti and Skittles: What is in the American aid boxes airdropped into Gaza?

"Cool…cool…Gazans are doing good reviews for the MREs dropped by the US," commented one person who shared the video. "F***** MREs no less."

 Skittles seen as part of the US humanitarian aid, March 3, 2024 (photo credit: SCREENSHOT/VIA SECTION 24A OF THE COPYRIGHT ACT)
Skittles seen as part of the US humanitarian aid, March 3, 2024
(photo credit: SCREENSHOT/VIA SECTION 24A OF THE COPYRIGHT ACT)

The United States military carried out its first airdrop of humanitarian aid into the Gaza Strip on Saturday.

Palestinians were quick to search for the boxes upon their landing inside the Strip, showcasing its contents in videos shared with the world on social media.

Spaghetti, sauce and skittles: US sends ready-to-eat meals to Gaza

In one video doing the rounds on X, a Gazan "unboxed" one of the aid boxes airdropped, finding skittles and combat rations, also known as MREs (Meal, Ready to Eat), among other sweets and valuables.

The rations given to the Gazans included chili with beans, chicken noodles, and spaghetti with beef and salt.

 IDF soldiers in Gaza, while humanitarian aid is seen being airdropped to Gazan residents above, February 28, 2024. (credit: IDF SPOKESPERSON UNIT)
IDF soldiers in Gaza, while humanitarian aid is seen being airdropped to Gazan residents above, February 28, 2024. (credit: IDF SPOKESPERSON UNIT)

Included with the ready-to-eat meals were tabasco sauce, apple sauce, salt, and sugar - as well a pack of Skittles and ingredients to make a hot beverage, intended for dessert.

"Cool…cool…Gazans are doing good reviews for the MREs dropped by the US," commented one person who shared the video. "F***** MREs no less."

More than 38,000 meals on 66 pallets were airdropped over southwestern Gaza and the town of Mawasi. The White House has said the airdrops will be a sustained effort and that Israel was supportive of the operation.