Live Updates on the Israel-Hamas Conflict in Gaza

Army engineers have begun construction of a floating pier and causeway off the coast of Gaza to aid in delivering humanitarian aid to the enclave’s residents. The project, ordered by President Biden, is expected to be completed early next month and will allow relief workers to deliver up to two million meals a day to those in need.

The construction of the temporary pier and causeway at sea is a response to Israeli restrictions on land convoys into Gaza, which have hindered the flow of aid to the region. The facility will include an offshore platform for transferring aid from ships and a floating pier to bring the aid to shore.

While aid organizations have welcomed the project, some U.S. military officials have expressed security concerns, particularly after a recent mortar attack in the area where the pier work is being done. However, the military has not yet started moving supplies into the area, minimizing the impact of the attack.

The United Nations has warned of a looming famine in Gaza by the end of May, highlighting the urgent need for increased aid deliveries. Aid workers have faced challenges at border crossings, including lengthy inspections of trucks and limited crossing hours, leading to bottlenecks in aid distribution.

The Pentagon has outlined a complex plan for the aid deliveries through the floating pier, emphasizing that American troops will not be deployed on the ground in Gaza. The project, known as J-Lots (Joint Logistics Over the Shore), involves assembling key pieces of the pier aboard Navy ships in the eastern Mediterranean.

The causeway at sea will be anchored to the Gaza shore by an engineering unit with the Israeli military, with shuttle boats transporting aid to the floating pier for distribution. Israel has dedicated a brigade to provide security for the American troops and aid workers involved in the project.

Once fully operational, the system is expected to bring in enough aid for 150 trucks a day, significantly increasing the flow of humanitarian assistance to Gaza. The project represents a critical lifeline for the enclave’s residents, who have been facing dire conditions due to the ongoing conflict and restrictions on aid deliveries.

In Washington, Helene Cooper reports on the progress of the construction and the potential impact of the floating pier and causeway on humanitarian aid efforts in Gaza. The project marks a significant step towards addressing the urgent needs of the enclave’s population and providing essential support during a critical time.