US military aids Gaza with innovative floating pier solution
The US military has initiated the delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza using a unique floating pier, enabling trucks to transport essential supplies directly to the region. This innovative approach, spearheaded by the US Central Command (CENTCOM), ensures swift and efficient distribution of aid to those in need.
Trucks carrying humanitarian aid into Gaza have started unloading after arriving through a floating pier built by the US military, as reported by the US Central Command (CENTCOM).
The pier was secured to a beach in Gaza on Thursday and will serve as a gateway for aid from different countries to enter the blockaded strip. With all other border crossings shut down and a severe humanitarian crisis unfolding within, this new access point is crucial for getting much-needed assistance to those in need.
The US has started constructing a $320 million pier in late April. They want to make it clear that this is only a temporary solution focused on humanitarian efforts. The aid commodities that will be used are donated by various countries and humanitarian organizations.
According to the statement from CENTCOM, no US troops landed in Gaza.
Aid first arrives from overseas to Cyprus, then is transported by ship to a floating platform close to the Gaza coast. From there, it is taken to the floating pier and loaded onto trucks for distribution on land.
Adm. Brad Cooper, the commander of the US Naval Forces Central Command, mentioned in a news briefing that the aim is to deliver approximately 500 tons of humanitarian assistance to Gaza through the pier every day. This would require around 90 trucks daily, with the ultimate goal of increasing to 150 trucks per day.
A new maritime corridor is being established at a crucial time. The Rafah border into Gaza has been closed for over a week, blocking aid delivery. This closure is significant as the Rafah crossing was the sole route between Gaza and Egypt, with all other border points controlled by Israel.
The US State Department expressed concern over the limited aid reaching Gaza. On Sunday, only 50 humanitarian aid trucks managed to pass through, a sharp decrease from the hundreds that were able to do so daily in the past. The department emphasized that this current number is insufficient to meet the needs of the people in Gaza.
Editor's P/S:
The humanitarian crisis in Gaza is alarming, and the new floating pier constructed by the US military offers a glimmer of hope for those in dire need. The fact that all other border crossings are shut down highlights the urgency of this situation, and the pier serves as a vital gateway for aid to enter the blockaded strip.
It is crucial to ensure that the aid reaches those who need it most, and the US's commitment to delivering 500 tons of humanitarian assistance daily is a step in the right direction. However, it is essential that the capacity is increased to 150 trucks per day to meet the growing needs of the population. The closure of the Rafah border and the limited aid passing through underscore the importance of this new maritime corridor.
