Middle East Crisis: First Supplies Enter Gaza Through U.S. Military-Constructed Pier
Middle East Crisis: First Supplies Enter Gaza Through U.S. Military-Constructed Pier
A ship near a temporary floating pier established by the U.S. military, as viewed from central Gaza on Thursday. Credit: Abdel Kareem Hana/Associated Press
In the first sea-based aid delivery to Gaza in two months, Pentagon officials confirmed that no U.S. troops entered the territory.
Early Friday, trucks carrying humanitarian aid began arriving in Gaza via a temporary pier constructed by the U.S. military. This marks the first sea-based aid delivery to the enclave in two months, though it falls far short of meeting the critical needs of Gaza’s population, according to humanitarian groups.
The previous day, the U.S. military reported that it had anchored the floating pier and causeway to Gaza’s beach, a crucial step in establishing a maritime aid corridor announced by the Pentagon in March. However, U.S. officials and international aid groups have emphasized that sea shipments can only supplement, not replace, land-based deliveries.
The U.S. military confirmed that no American troops entered Gaza on Friday, noting that their role was limited to logistical support for the delivery of supplies, which were donated by various countries and organizations.
Gaza, home to 2.2 million civilians, is increasingly dependent on humanitarian aid. Seven months of Israeli bombardment, along with strict Israeli inspections and crossing restrictions, have drastically limited the entry of supplies. In the past week and a half, the flow of aid through Gaza’s main southern land crossings has slowed to a near halt due to Israel’s military operations around Rafah.
Early Friday, trucks carrying humanitarian aid began arriving in Gaza via a temporary pier constructed by the U.S. military. This marks the first sea-based aid delivery to the enclave in two months, though it falls far short of meeting the critical needs of Gaza’s population, according to humanitarian groups.
The previous day, the U.S. military reported that it had anchored the floating pier and causeway to Gaza’s beach, a crucial step in establishing a maritime aid corridor announced by the Pentagon in March. However, U.S. officials and international aid groups have emphasized that sea shipments can only supplement, not replace, land-based deliveries.
The U.S. military confirmed that no American troops entered Gaza on Friday, noting that their role was limited to logistical support for the delivery of supplies, which were donated by various countries and organizations.
Gaza, home to 2.2 million civilians, is increasingly dependent on humanitarian aid. Seven months of Israeli bombardment, along with strict Israeli inspections and crossing restrictions, have drastically limited the entry of supplies. In the past week and a half, the flow of aid through Gaza’s main southern land crossings has slowed to a near halt due to Israel’s military operations around Rafah.
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