WASHINGTON, USA: The United States has resumed the delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza from a temporary pier, following repairs to the structure that had been damaged by a storm.
The US Central Command (USCENTCOM) announced that approximately 492 metric tons of humanitarian assistance were delivered to the people of Gaza. Despite the aid efforts, no US military personnel went ashore in Gaza.
Gaza, heavily impacted by Israeli operations against Hamas, is experiencing a severe humanitarian crisis. The coastal territory’s population is in urgent need of clean water, food, medicines, and fuel. The temporary pier, initially damaged by high seas, was repaired in the Israeli port of Ashdod and reinstated on the Gaza coast.
USCENTCOM emphasized that the pier and its resources are solely intended for humanitarian aid. The resumption of aid deliveries follows President Joe Biden’s announcement in March, which set the plans for the pier in motion. Despite the efforts, UN agencies and humanitarian groups have indicated that sea or air deliveries cannot match the efficiency of truck convoys.
Israel has faced accusations of delaying aid into Gaza, exacerbating the crisis for the territory’s 2.4 million residents. CENTCOM clarified that the pier and its operations had no involvement in Israel’s recent rescue of hostages held in Gaza, reaffirming its exclusive purpose to facilitate the movement of lifesaving assistance into the region.
