In a major development aimed at alleviating the crisis in Gaza, U.S. forces have successfully facilitated the transfer of more than 1 million pounds of humanitarian aid into the region via a temporary pier constructed off the coast, a senior military official announced today.
“U.S. Central Command forces continue to support USAID’s provision of humanitarian assistance into Gaza from the sea as part of our government policy to flood the zone with humanitarian assistance,”
Navy Vice Adm. Brad Cooper, deputy commander of U.S. Central Command, stated.
Key Points:
Statistic |
Amount |
|---|---|
| Total aid transferred to Gaza shore | 1.2 million lbs (820 metric tons) |
| Aid distributed into Gaza by UN | 506 metric tons |
| U.S. personnel involved | Around 1,000 soldiers and sailors |
The massive aid delivery is part of the United States’ broader efforts, alongside international partners, to surge assistance to Palestinians in dire need following President Joe Biden’s call for an emergency operation during his State of the Union address.
The impressive feat was made possible through the construction of the Joint Logistics Over-the-Shore (JLOTS) pier, a temporary causeway comprising:
- Modular, floating sections linked together (approx. 1,800 feet long)
- A roll-on, roll-off discharge facility for cargo ship offloading (72 ft x 270 ft)
Coordinated Humanitarian Effort
The operation involves a multi-step process, with the U.S. working closely with:
- Cyprus
- Government of Israel
- United Nations
- International donors like UAE, UK, and EU
Aid shipments go through the following:
- Transported to Cyprus for screening and packaging
- Loaded onto vessels bound for temporary Gaza pier
- Offloaded at pier into a marshaling area
- Distributed further into Gaza by humanitarian organizations
“This is a complex humanitarian aid mission that requires continuous coordination between many partners,” said Dan Dieckhaus, the director of USAID‘s response operations.
Mitigating Risks, Increasing Flow
While no U.S. personnel are on the ground in Gaza, force protection remains paramount:
- Coordination cell established for safe, efficient operations
- “Meticulous approach” to distribution planning and convoy monitoring
- Close collaboration with UN to reduce risks in “complex and dynamic” environment
Despite challenges, Cooper stated the U.S. aims to ramp up efforts, with “thousands of tons” more aid in the pipeline. He encouraged further donor contributions
“so that we can sustain and increase the volume of lifesaving aid getting to the people of Gaza every day.”
Moving Forward
As the crisis persists, the pier operation is a crucial step in delivering relief, though the road ahead has many obstacles. Sustained coordination among stakeholders is needed to ensure aid reaches those most in need.
Sources: THX News & US Department of Defense.
