US Partners with UN World Food Program to Deliver Aid to Gaza
Amidst the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza, US officials announced a significant development on Friday. The UN World Food Program (WFP) has agreed to participate in delivering essential aid to civilians in Gaza, potentially marking a breakthrough in addressing a key hurdle faced by many aid groups.
Background
Recent events, including an Israeli military attack on April 1 that tragically claimed the lives of seven aid workers from the World Central Kitchen, have intensified international criticism of Israel. The incident highlighted the challenges faced by humanitarian workers in Gaza, prompting calls for increased security and improved access for aid distribution.
US Initiative
In response to the escalating crisis, President Biden announced in March that the US military would take action to ensure the delivery of aid to Gaza. A temporary pier is being constructed to facilitate the transportation of aid by sea, bypassing the land routes controlled by Israel. The partnership with the UN World Food Program underscores the commitment to addressing the urgent humanitarian needs in Gaza.
Infrastructure Development
The US military is undertaking the construction of a modular bridge as part of the maritime route to streamline the inspection and processing of aid offshore. Plans include the establishment of a large floating platform offshore for ships to unload aid, which will then be transported by Army boats to the shore via a secure chain of steel pier sections.
Multiple Army vessels and Military Sealift Command ships are already deployed in the Mediterranean Sea, working on the preparation and construction of the aid distribution infrastructure. The Pentagon estimates that the system could provide up to 2 million meals a day for Gaza residents once operational.
Progress and Timeline
Air Force Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder, Pentagon press secretary, confirmed that the construction of the aid delivery system is progressing as planned. The US aims to have the infrastructure in place by the end of the month or early May, pending final agreements on aid collection and distribution.
Efforts are also underway to ensure security measures on the shore, with Israel’s commitment to providing support for the aid delivery process.