Pentagon Confirms Construction of Gaza Aid Pier, Says Operational by May

The Pentagon announced on Thursday that US troops have started building a maritime pier off the coast of Gaza, aimed at streamlining the delivery of humanitarian aid to the enclave. This development comes as international concerns grow over a potential famine in northern Gaza, exacerbated by Israel’s extensive military campaign against Hamas following their attacks in early October.

President Joe Biden had previously revealed plans for the pier in March, responding to calls from aid officials for improved access routes into Gaza. Despite pre-inspections in Cyprus, all aid shipments will still undergo checks at Israeli land checkpoints, raising questions about potential delays.

Located just southwest of Gaza City, near a strategically important road constructed by the Israeli military, the pier is expected to become operational in May. It will facilitate the transfer of aid from ships to trucks, which will then transport the supplies to various distribution points managed by aid agencies.

This new logistical operation, known as the Joint Logistics Over The Shore (JLOTS), involves multiple zones for aid handling and is guarded by both Israeli and US forces. However, security concerns loom large, underscored by a recent mortar attack near the construction site. The US has committed to robust security measures to protect its personnel and ensure the uninterrupted flow of aid.