The U.S. military has sent its first aid shipment to the Gaza Strip using a newly constructed pier. Trucks carrying much-needed supplies crossed the floating pier for the first time on Friday. This comes as Israeli restrictions and ongoing conflict have made it difficult for food and other essentials to reach Gaza.
American military officials plan to increase aid deliveries, with up to 150 truckloads a day expected to enter Gaza. However, both the U.S. and aid groups caution that this new pier is not a replacement for land deliveries, which used to bring in over 500 truckloads of supplies daily before the conflict.
The operation faces challenges including the risk of militant attacks, logistical issues, and a shortage of fuel due to the Israeli blockade of Gaza. The U.S. military's Central Command confirmed the aid movement, emphasizing that it is a humanitarian effort in collaboration with multiple countries and organizations.
The floating pier was installed recently, and the Pentagon announced that aid distribution is expected to proceed smoothly under United Nations coordination. However, the UN noted that fuel deliveries via land routes have mostly stopped, complicating efforts to distribute aid effectively.
Israel denies imposing limits on humanitarian aid and blames the UN for delays. It has recently opened crossings to deliver aid to northern Gaza, but tensions and security concerns continue to disrupt these efforts.
President Joe Biden initiated the $320 million pier project to facilitate aid deliveries, which are unloaded at a port southwest of Gaza City and distributed by aid groups. Security remains a concern, with risks to aid workers and potential threats to the newly established maritime route.
Despite these challenges, the U.S. military and its allies are committed to supporting humanitarian efforts in Gaza through the new aid corridor.
The U.S. military's Central Command confirmed the aid movement, stating that the first shipment crossed into Gaza at 9 a.m. on Friday, emphasizing that no American troops were involved in the operation. The floating pier, installed just recently, has been a focal point for humanitarian efforts, with Pentagon officials noting that aid distribution is expected to be efficient and seamless under United Nations coordination. However, the UN has highlighted the challenges posed by the nearly halted fuel deliveries via land routes, which are essential for distributing aid effectively to the people of Gaza.
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