This Tuesday, a cargo plane operated by 7Air took off from Miami International Airport, marking the beginning of a $100 million humanitarian aid package from the United States to the Cuban people, as confirmed by the State Department in their announcement of the operation's commencement.
The inaugural flight is carrying 700 hygiene kits and 700 food items destined for Havana. Prior to its departure, U.S. officials held a press conference in Miami to discuss the mission.
Contents of the Shipment and Distribution Plan
According to the State Department, this aid will be distributed by independent organizations including Catholic Relief Services, Cáritas Cuba, and the Catholic Church in Cuba, ensuring no involvement from the Cuban government.
The official statement emphasized the significance of the U.S.'s ongoing commitment to the Cuban people by providing essential humanitarian assistance, crucial to those grappling with severe shortages of food, medicine, fuel, and other necessities.
From the total aid package, $60 million will be managed by the Catholic Church, while the remaining $40 million will be handled by highly trusted non-governmental organizations. It's projected that the complete package will aid between 100,000 to 120,000 families throughout the island.
Contradicting Díaz-Canel's Claims
This flight directly challenges statements made by Miguel Díaz-Canel in late June when he told a Dominican television network that the aid wouldn't start until after September and wouldn't include food or medicine.
The State Department categorically dismissed these claims: "That is completely and utterly false. The shipments do include food, as confirmed during inspections conducted in the humanitarian aid phases following Hurricane Melissa."
Despite Diaz-Canel's description of the offer as a "joke," he acknowledged that the Cuban government formally accepted the aid in writing. Moreover, the regime turned down the proposal to send reputable organizations to provide medical services on the island.
Previous Aid and Diplomatic Strain
This shipment builds on two previous allocations totaling $9 million, sent since January 2026 as a response to Hurricane Melissa, which struck eastern Cuba on October 29, 2025, affecting over 3 million people.
Cáritas Cuba reported that 82% of those funds had been utilized, aiding approximately 8,800 families in the provinces of Santiago de Cuba, Holguín, Las Tunas, Bayamo, and Guantánamo.
The flight takes off amidst heightened tensions between Washington and Havana. A mere 24 hours prior, the State Department released the report "Cuba, Capital of 21st Century Communism," accusing the regime of nearly seven decades of espionage and subversion in the U.S.
On Monday, U.S. Ambassador to the U.N., Mike Waltz, met with the CEO of Catholic Relief Services to coordinate direct aid delivery to the Cuban populace, "bypassing the greedy and hypocritical communist regime of Havana," as he stated on X.
In response to the report, Díaz-Canel targeted Secretary of State Marco Rubio with criticisms:
"The thief believes everyone else is like him. Nothing better describes the State Department's report against Cuba, promoted by one of the most corrupt officials in the current administration, with proven ties to drug traffickers and terrorists in Florida."
Rubio had been emphatic when announcing the aid package in May: "The Cuban people must know that there are $100 million in food and medicine available to them right now, and the only reason they are not receiving it is the Cuban regime."
Frequently Asked Questions about the U.S. Aid to Cuba
What is included in the U.S. aid shipment to Cuba?
The initial shipment includes 700 hygiene kits and 700 food items aimed at supporting families in Havana.
How will the aid be distributed in Cuba?
The aid will be distributed through independent organizations such as Catholic Relief Services, Cáritas Cuba, and the Catholic Church in Cuba, without any involvement from the Cuban government.
How much aid has the U.S. provided to Cuba previously?
Prior to this shipment, the U.S. sent two allocations totaling $9 million in response to Hurricane Melissa, assisting over 8,800 families in eastern Cuba.