U.S. Military Confirms Pier Anchored to Deliver Aid to Gaza in Israel-Hamas Conflict: Live Updates

The U.S. military has taken a significant step in aiding the humanitarian crisis in Gaza by anchoring a temporary pier on the territory’s coast. This move comes as Israel’s incursion into Rafah has severely limited the flow of supplies through land borders, exacerbating the already dire situation in the enclave.

According to a statement from the U.S. Central Command, trucks loaded with humanitarian aid will begin moving ashore in the coming days through the newly established floating pier and causeway. The completion of the pier had been delayed due to weather conditions, but now, the U.S. military is ready to facilitate the entry of much-needed aid into Gaza.

Israel has historically opposed the establishment of a seaport in Gaza, citing security concerns. However, as the humanitarian crisis in the territory has worsened in recent months, the U.S. military announced plans to build a temporary pier to enable aid shipments via the Mediterranean Sea.

Last week, an American ship named the Sagamore departed from Cyprus with humanitarian aid destined for Gaza. The aid was transferred to a smaller vessel, which had been waiting for the installation of the pier. The United Nations will oversee the distribution of the aid in Gaza, ensuring that it reaches those in need.

General Charles Q. Brown, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, stated that over the next two days, the U.S. military and humanitarian groups will test the process by loading three to five trucks from the pier and sending them into Gaza. The Pentagon aims to eventually bring in enough aid for up to 150 trucks a day when the system reaches full operating capacity.

Israeli military spokesman Lt. Col. Nadav Shoshani expressed support for the temporary pier project, emphasizing that it is a top priority. The Israeli Navy and the 99th Division are providing assistance by sea and land, respectively, to ensure the smooth operation of the aid delivery process.

The United Nations’ World Food Program has highlighted the urgent need for aid in Gaza, as Israeli operations and restrictions have severely limited access to essential supplies. The threat of famine looms large in the territory, with the agency warning that food and fuel stocks will run out in a matter of days if aid does not reach Gaza soon.

The establishment of the temporary pier by the U.S. military is a crucial step in alleviating the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. It is hoped that this maritime aid corridor will supplement deliveries through land crossings and provide much-needed relief to the 2.2 million people living in the enclave.