U.S. Navy and Army Begin Building Floating Platform for Aid Delivery to Gaza Strip
JERUSALEM, April 20, 2022 (AP) –
A joint effort by the U.S. Navy and Army is underway to construct a floating platform that will facilitate the delivery of much-needed aid to the beleaguered Gaza Strip. The Pentagon has estimated the cost of the project to be at least $320 million, covering equipment transportation, pier construction, and aid delivery operations.
Preparation in Progress
Recent satellite analysis from The Associated Press has revealed the construction of the Joint Logistics Over-the-Shore (JLOTS) system, a base of operations being built by the Israeli military. The images show the USNS Roy P. Benavidez, a U.S. Navy ship, located in the Mediterranean Sea about 6.8 miles from the Gaza Strip, accompanied by the USAV General Frank S. Besson Jr. and other Army boats. Construction is progressing under the strict monitoring of military officials.
Satellite images by Planet Labs PBC displayed the floating pier fragments next to the Benavidez in the Mediterranean Sea. The 550-meter causeway, a two-lane floating structure, will soon connect the pier to the shore under the Israeli Defense Forces.
A Pentagon spokesperson, Sabrina Singh, has mentioned that the floating pier will support the reception and delivery of humanitarian aid to the people of Gaza. The Pentagon aims to start operations by early May.
Efficient Aid Delivery Strategy
Under this ambitious plan, aid shipment will embark on commercial ships from Cyprus to the floating platform. Trucks will then transport the aid pallets on the floating causeway from the platform to the shore. Upon reaching Gaza, the aid will be distributed to its intended recipients. Initially, the sea route will deliver around 90 trucks of aid per day, with the capacity to quickly increase to 150 trucks daily.
Over the course of the current conflict, Gaza has experienced severe food and medicine shortages, aggravated by restrictions on imports and inspections by Israeli forces. The introduction of the floating platform promises to expedite aid delivery and potentially revitalize the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza.
Tension and Concerns
The presence of foreign forces guarding the floating pier has raised concerns, particularly from senior Hamas political official Khalil al-Hayya. Al-Hayya warned that Hamas perceives any forces stationed there as an occupying and aggressive army, making the group determined to resist.
In the face of these tensions, Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari, spokesperson for the Israeli military, emphasized that the pier and associated operations aim to enhance the flow of humanitarian aid into Gaza. To ensure the safety of the construction personnel, the facility is being built at an adequate distance from the shore.
Continuing International Aid Efforts
In addition to the U.S. Navy and Army’s initiative, World Central Kitchen has been actively involved in constructing the new port with the ultimate goal of providing assistance to Gaza. However, their construction efforts had ceased due to an Israeli airstrike that claimed the lives of seven aid workers. Following a period of suspension, World Central Kitchen is set to resume its humanitarian operations in Gaza.
Unrelenting international pressure has pushed Israel to improve the situation, although United Nations agencies argue that substantial amounts of aid still need to reach Gaza. Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari affirmed that the amount of aid going into Gaza would continue to increase.
As the construction of the floating platform progresses, the world watches with hope, anticipating relief for the beleaguered population of Gaza. Achieving swift, efficient, and consistent aid deliveries is crucial in addressing the growing humanitarian crisis in the region.
About the Authors
Tara Copp is an Associated Press writer based in Washington, D.C., focusing on military affairs. Lolita C. Baldor is a seasoned journalist with the Associated Press, reporting on the defense and security beat.
