US Troops Construct Maritime Pier for Humanitarian Aid to Gaza
Personnel board the U.S. Army Vessel (USAV) General Frank S. Besson (LSV-1) from the 7th Transportation Brigade (Expeditionary), 3rd Expeditionary Sustainment Command, XVIII Airborne Corps as it departs en route to the Eastern Mediterranean after President Biden announced the U.S. would provide humanitarian assistance to Gaza by sea, at Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia, United States, March 9, 2024 Photograph:(Reuters)
Background
- In March, President Joe Biden announced the construction of a pier to aid in the delivery of humanitarian supplies to Gaza, responding to aid officials’ requests for Israel to relax restrictions on land routes.
- The US troops have started construction of a maritime pier off the coast of Gaza that aims to speed the flow of humanitarian aid into the enclave when it becomes operational in May.
Challenges and Concerns
However, it’s uncertain if this initiative will effectively boost the flow of aid, especially as international officials caution about the potential for famine in northern Gaza. Israel’s six-month-long military campaign against Hamas has caused extensive damage to the densely populated Gaza Strip, leaving its 2.3 million residents in a humanitarian crisis.
A Biden administration official, speaking to reporters on condition of anonymity, said humanitarian aid coming off the pier will need to pass through Israeli checkpoints on land. That is despite the aid having already been inspected by Israel in Cyprus prior to being shipped to Gaza. Israel wants to prevent any aid getting to Hamas fighters that boosts their war effort.
The possibility of checkpoints brings up concerns about potential delays, even after aid has landed. The United Nations has consistently voiced concerns about the difficulties in getting aid into Gaza and distributing it throughout the territory.
Construction and Capacity
“I can confirm that US military vessels, to include the USNS Benavidez, have begun to construct the initial stages of the temporary pier and causeway at sea,” Pentagon spokesperson Major General Patrick Ryder told reporters.
The pier will at first handle 90 trucks a day, but that number could go up to 150 trucks daily when it is fully operational. The United Nations said this week that the daily average number of trucks entering Gaza during April was 200 and that there had been a peak on Monday of 316.
Call for Increased Aid Flow
The northern Gaza Strip remains at risk of famine, the UN deputy food chief said on Thursday (Apr 25), urging for an increased flow of aid and asking Israel to permit direct access from its southern Ashdod port to the Erez crossing.
Security Measures
In a statement, the Israeli military said it would provide security and logistics support for the pier. An Israeli military brigade, which includes thousands of soldiers, along with Israeli Navy ships and Air Force would work to protect US troops who are setting up the pier.
