In a bid to enhance the delivery of crucial supplies to Palestinians in Gaza amid ongoing conflict, the US Army has dispatched four boats laden with equipment and steel pier components from Virginia. This initiative comes as part of the US efforts to alleviate the suffering of Palestinians affected by the prolonged hostilities between Israel and Hamas.

Departing from Joint Base Langley-Eustis, the vessels embarked on a journey down the James River en route to the Mediterranean Sea, where they will establish a floating dock at an undisclosed location along the Gaza coastline to facilitate aid reception.

The situation in Gaza has reached critical levels, with over 30,000 casualties reported by the Gaza Health Ministry since hostilities erupted in October. The United Nations has warned of a humanitarian crisis, with virtually all of Gaza's 2.3 million residents struggling to access food. However, delivering aid has been challenging due to ongoing conflicts and logistical hurdles, including Israeli military blockades and inspections.

The Pentagon's latest strategy involves the construction of a modular causeway system. This system will entail the deployment of a large floating platform offshore, enabling ships to unload containers of aid. Subsequently, the aid will be transferred to the shore via a motorized string of steel causeway sections.

Anticipated to span approximately 1,800 feet (550 meters) with two lanes, the pier is projected to accommodate the delivery of over 2 million meals daily to Gaza residents. While specifics regarding aid unloading and distribution remain undisclosed, President Joe Biden has affirmed that no US troops will be deployed on the ground in Gaza.

The mission, overseen by the 7th Transportation Brigade (Expeditionary), involves around 500 soldiers, with a total of 1,000 US troops expected to participate. Col. Sam Miller, the brigade's commander, described the operation as complex, with transit estimated to take a month, contingent upon weather conditions. Construction of the pier is projected to take a week, followed by additional time for coordination and operational setup.

Notably, the US Army's involvement in maritime operations is less recognized compared to the Navy's. Nonetheless, the 7th Transportation Brigade has previously undertaken similar missions, such as constructing a pier in Haiti in 2010. Miller expressed pride in the soldiers' enthusiasm for the humanitarian mission, emphasizing its significance and showcasing the Army's maritime capabilities.

Furthermore, Miller disclosed plans for a Maritime Sealift Command ship to depart from Virginia in the coming days, transporting additional equipment and pier segments, underscoring the comprehensive nature of the US military's aid efforts in Gaza.

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