U.S. Halts Construction Of Pier Off Gaza Coast, Shifts Operations To Israeli Port Of Ashdod

The U.S. military has temporarily paused the construction of a humanitarian pier off the coast of Gaza due to adverse weather conditions, shifting operations to the Port of Ashdod in Israel.

According to a statement issued by U.S. Central Command, forecasted high winds and sea swells have halted construction, citing dangerous circumstances for soldiers working on the partially built pier.

The relocation to the Port of Ashdod ensures construction works continue until weather conditions improve.

Before the pause, substantial work had been made, with roughly half of the pier constructed.

The construction, which is part of the Joint Logistics Over The Shore (JLOTS) capabilities, is expected to involve the deployment of around 1000 U.S. Troops to expedite the delivery of humanitarian aid into Gaza.

Humanitarian aid will be offloaded at the shore facilities before being transferred to humanitarian organizations for further distribution within Gaza.

The United States military’s distinctive JLOTS capability is a critical logistics enabler for the international effort to improve the delivery of humanitarian goods to Gaza via all routes.

The maritime corridor connecting Gaza and Cyprus enables global humanitarian aid deliveries by sea.

Once operational, the pier is expected to accelerate the arrival of aid, with the capacity to accommodate up to 150 trucks per day, meeting the urgent requirements of the Gaza population.

The Sagamore, a contracted container ship, is scheduled to bring aid from Cyprus to the pier.

Once the terminal’s safety and functionality are confirmed, other humanitarian groups are expected to join operations.

Despite the temporary interruption, efforts to assist Gaza continue, with more than 500 pallets of humanitarian aid on their way to Cyprus for distribution.

Once operating, the pier and causeway’s safety and efficiency will be prioritized, and weather conditions will be regularly evaluated to assure crew well-being and improve delivery operations.

Israel has carried out a relentless attack on Gaza, killing over 34,000 Palestinians and reducing the enclave to a wasteland, according to local health officials.

Israel has been trying to demonstrate that it is not blocking aid to Gaza, particularly after President Joe Biden issued a warning to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that Washington’s policy could shift if Israel fails to address civilian harm, humanitarian suffering, and aid worker safety.

U.S. officials and relief organizations believe some progress has been achieved but caution that it is insufficient, despite bleak warnings of imminent famine among Gaza’s 2.3 million population.

According to Israeli reports, the war began on October 7, 2023, when Palestinian Hamas militants assaulted Israel, killing 1,200 people and kidnapping 253 others.

Reference: U.S. Centcom

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Source: Maritime Shipping News