The U.S. Military Sets Sail to Build Floating Pier for Gaza Aid Effort
In a bold move to address the hunger crisis in Gaza, the U.S. military announced on Sunday that a ship had set sail carrying equipment to build a floating pier on Gaza’s coast. This initiative is part of the Biden administration’s efforts to deliver aid to the enclave by sea and provide much-needed relief to its residents.
The plan for a pier and causeway, unveiled last week, aims to eventually deliver up to two million meals a day to the people of Gaza. However, the Pentagon has cautioned that the project will take weeks to complete. Some humanitarian officials have criticized the plans, arguing that delivering aid by truck would be more efficient.
The Army ship, named the General Frank S. Besson, departed from a base near Norfolk, Va., on Saturday, according to the U.S. military. It is carrying the necessary equipment to establish a temporary pier for delivering vital humanitarian supplies to Gaza.
The construction of the floating pier will involve the Army’s Seventh Transportation Brigade (Expeditionary), with approximately 1,000 American service members working on the project. The Israeli military will also play a role in coordinating the installation of the pier and inspecting shipments before they are handed off to aid groups for distribution.
This U.S. initiative is just one of many efforts to increase aid to Gaza, with the United Nations warning of an imminent famine in the region. Other countries and organizations, including Britain, the European Union, and the United Arab Emirates, have also joined maritime initiatives to deliver aid to Gaza.
World Central Kitchen, a nonprofit organization founded by chef José Andrés, is loading a cargo ship in Cyprus with 200 tons of food supplies to be sent to Gaza. The ship, named Open Arms, is expected to depart soon on a 60-hour journey to the Gaza Strip, in partnership with the United Arab Emirates.
As logistical challenges and high costs remain a concern, aid officials continue to advocate for more efficient ways to deliver aid to Gaza, such as opening more border crossings and easing entry restrictions. The international community’s efforts to provide much-needed assistance to Gaza are crucial in preventing a humanitarian catastrophe in the region.
