The United States military has initiated the construction of a substantial floating pier off the coast of Gaza to streamline the delivery of humanitarian aid, as announced by the Department of Defense.
The pier’s purpose is to serve as a docking point for ships transporting aid from Cyprus, which will then be transferred onto trucks for distribution across Gaza. A temporary causeway will connect the pier to the shore, facilitating the movement of aid-laden trucks.
President Joe Biden revealed the plan in March, aiming to address the escalating hunger crisis in Gaza exacerbated by challenges in aid distribution amid Israel’s ongoing military operations against Hamas.
Highlighting the severity of the situation, the United Nations has issued warnings of an imminent famine in Gaza, with reports of children succumbing to starvation.
The construction of the floating pier involves the deployment of over 1,000 US troops, with an emphasis from the Pentagon that no personnel will be stationed on the ground in Gaza. Instead, the causeway will be assembled at sea, allowing troops to avoid setting foot on land.
To accommodate the American forces, a British naval vessel in the eastern Mediterranean, the RFA Cardigan Bay, will serve as a floating dormitory.
Major General Pat Ryder, a Pentagon spokesperson, outlined the progress of the construction during a recent news conference, noting that the initial stages of the temporary pier and causeway are underway at sea.
Once operational, the system is expected to facilitate the delivery of up to 150 truckloads of aid per day, including two million meals, sufficient to feed nearly the entire population of Gaza.
Despite these efforts, Israel has faced international criticism over allegations of restricting aid flow to Gaza’s civilians. Israel, however, has attributed the delays to issues with aid agencies and pledged to provide security and logistical support during the construction and aid transfer process.
There remain concerns from aid agencies regarding Israeli security measures, particularly regarding the handling of aid at checkpoints on land. Despite prior inspection and screening in Cyprus, humanitarian aid destined for Gaza will still need to pass through Israeli checkpoints, raising questions about potential delays.
Additionally, recent incidents, such as the tragic loss of seven World Central Kitchen workers in an Israeli airstrike, have heightened concerns among aid groups operating in Gaza. The World Food Programme is set to lead the delivery operation but insists on assurances from Israel for the safety of aid workers.
As construction progresses on the floating pier and causeway, stakeholders continue to steer logistical and security challenges to ensure the timely and efficient delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza’s vulnerable population.
