US Military Starts Building a Pier Near Gaza
According to the Pentagon, US Marines have started building pier near Gaza with the goal of making it easier to transfer humanitarian goods into the area. The complex operation is intended to expedite the provision of food and essential supplies to Palestinian civilians. President Joe Biden has directed the approximately 1,000 US troops helping with the construction not to step foot on the Gaza shore. Rather, vehicles will be driven onto the beach from the pier by a third party.
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US Military’s Construction of Pier Near Gaza Raises Concerns
The project has raised security worries, which were emphasised by a recent mortar strike close to the construction site. Even though there were no US military present, a UN delegation visiting the location had to take refuge. The Israeli military will send a full brigade to guard the pier and offer logistical support, in addition to air force and navy personnel.
The new port is expected to begin delivering aid in early May, starting with around 90 trucks a day and potentially increasing to 150 trucks daily. However, aid groups have expressed concerns about their safety and the role of Israeli forces in ensuring security. Negotiations are ongoing to establish protocols for aid delivery and handling.
