A US military ship is on its way to the Middle East with equipment to build a temporary pier off the coast of Gaza, according to the army. This initiative follows the announcement by President Joe Biden that the US would construct a floating harbor to facilitate aid delivery to Gaza by sea. The dire situation in Gaza has been highlighted by the UN, warning of an imminent famine and severe malnutrition among children. Previous attempts to bring aid by land and air have been met with challenges, including gunfire, looting, and tragic accidents like the failure of aid package parachutes resulting in casualties. The urgency of the situation in Gaza prompted the rapid departure of the US support ship, General Frank S Besson, carrying essential equipment for the establishment of a temporary pier to enable humanitarian supply delivery. The Pentagon estimates that it may take up to 60 days to complete the construction with the assistance of 1,000 troops who will remain on board the ship.
While the efforts to build the temporary pier are underway, an aid ship named Open Arms loaded with 200 tonnes of food is awaiting clearance to sail from Cyprus to Gaza. The European Union has announced the opening of a new sea route from Cyprus to Gaza to expedite aid delivery. The Spanish charity, Open Arms, and US charity World Central Kitchen collaborate to provide crucial food supplies for the vulnerable population in Gaza.
Despite the initiatives to bring aid by sea, Gaza lacks a functional port, and its waters are not suitable for large vessels. However, preparations are being made at the destination point by the aid organizations to receive the supplies effectively. Israel has expressed support for the sea initiative and has pledged to conduct security checks in Cyprus before permitting the delivery of aid in alignment with Israeli standards.
The ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas has exacerbated the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, with a significant portion of the population facing severe food insecurity. Calls from Western nations for Israel to expand land delivery routes and open additional crossings have been made to address the urgent needs of the affected population. The restrictions on aid access to the northern part of Gaza have left hundreds of thousands of Palestinians with limited access to essential resources.
Israel has faced criticism for impeding aid efforts, with accusations of a deliberate campaign to starve the Palestinian people in Gaza. Protests from international organizations, including the UN, have condemned such tactics as unethical and inhumane. The situation in Gaza remains precarious, requiring immediate and sustained humanitarian support to alleviate the suffering of the population.
The establishment of a temporary port by the US military and the collaborative efforts of charities to deliver aid by sea represent crucial steps towards addressing the urgent humanitarian needs in Gaza. However, long-term sustainable solutions are essential to ensure continuous access to essential supplies and support for the vulnerable population in the region.
