US Aid unloaded off Gaza coast yet to reach Palestinian population, Pentagon confirms

The aid unloaded from the temporary pier constructed by the US off the coast of Gaza has not reached the wider Palestinian population yet. The Pentagon mentioned on Tuesday that the US is collaborating with the UN and Israel to find safe routes for the delivery inside the enclave.

Over the weekend, some desperate Gazans stopped trucks carrying aid from the pier. This led the UN to pause the delivery operations until the logistical issues are sorted out.

The US, Israel, and the United Nations are collaborating to find new ways to safely deliver the 569 tons of aid sent to Gaza in the past week, according to Pentagon spokesperson Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder.

Ryder mentioned that as of now, none of the aid has reached the people of Gaza. However, he shared that the aid, which was initially kept in an assembly area on shore, is now being transferred to warehouses for distribution across Gaza using the newly established alternative routes.

The Defense Department and UN officials are currently collaborating to figure out the maximum amount of aid that can be stored at the staging area in Gaza.

Additionally, the quantity of aid reaching the Gaza shoreline from Cyprus is lower than what the Pentagon initially anticipated.

Since Friday, more than 569 metric tons of humanitarian assistance have been delivered through the temporary pier, called JLOTS, or Joint Logistics Over-the-Shore, to the shore of Gaza. Ryder mentioned that the aid will be distributed by humanitarian partners. Adm. Brad Cooper, the commander of the US Naval Forces Central Command, expressed hope last week to initially transport 500 tons of aid per day via the pier, with plans to scale up over time.

CNN reported over the weekend that as trucks started moving the aid from the floating pier, a group of men in Gaza intercepted the aid. They mentioned that they did not trust that the aid was actually intended for the Palestinian people.

Mounir Ayad, a resident of Gaza, expressed his doubts to CNN by the pier. He mentioned not understanding the purpose of the floating pier and what it signifies. Despite claims of it being for aid, people remain skeptical. Ayad questioned whether it is truly aid or something else, considering the historical lack of support from the US towards the Palestinian cause.

In a statement on Tuesday, Ryder admitted that some of the initial aid delivered to Gaza was taken by individuals before reaching its intended destination.

Understanding the urgency of the situation, it remains crucial for aid to reach those in need. While it's natural to question why certain things may not be working, our main focus is on ensuring that the Palestinian people receive the assistance they require.

In April, the Pentagon revealed plans to deliver around 500 tons of aid per day to the starving population of Gaza, equivalent to 90 truckloads, with hopes of increasing to 150 trucks daily. Just last week, the pier was finally connected to Gaza as the humanitarian crisis in the area continues to deteriorate.

Last week, Sonali Korde, assistant to the administrator of the US Agency for International Development’s Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance, expressed concern about the ongoing conditions in Gaza. She mentioned that there has been no improvement and a vital border crossing recently closed, hindering the movement of aid. This closure comes at a critical time when more aid is needed to help the 2.2 million people in Gaza facing acute food insecurity.

The US has encountered several challenges with the pier that serves as a crucial entry point for humanitarian aid. These challenges include coordinating with Israel's operations in Rafah to address security concerns and determining logistics for transporting aid into Gaza without the presence of US troops on the ground. Additionally, logistical issues like sea and weather conditions have also posed limitations on the use of the pier.

Ryder mentioned on Tuesday that the US is still working on finding ways to provide aid, including using land routes. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin is in talks with his Israeli counterpart to explore the possibility of delivering aid through land crossings like Rafah.

In addition, the US has collaborated with the Royal Jordanian Air Force to carry out several air drops of humanitarian aid into Gaza. The frequency of these air drops in the future is uncertain; Ryder stated on Tuesday that it remains an option for them, but he did not confirm whether this method will be utilized long-term.

The most recent humanitarian air drop was carried out by US Central Command on May 9.

Ryder emphasized that the aid delivery is not just a US military initiative, but a collaborative effort involving multiple agencies and countries. He acknowledged the urgent requirements of the Palestinian population in Gaza and assured continued efforts to provide necessary assistance.

Editor's P/S:

The humanitarian aid situation in Gaza remains dire, with the recent aid delivery encountering logistical and security challenges. The interception of aid by desperate Gazans highlights the deep mistrust and skepticism that exists among the Palestinian population. The US, Israel, and the UN must prioritize the safe and efficient delivery of aid to those in need, addressing concerns and ensuring that assistance reaches the intended beneficiaries.

Collaborative efforts, including the exploration of alternative routes and the involvement of multiple agencies, are crucial to overcome the obstacles faced in aid delivery. The US should continue to engage with Israel and other stakeholders to find viable solutions that will alleviate the suffering of the Palestinian people and contribute to a sustainable resolution of the conflict.