A U.S. Army vessel carrying equipment for building a temporary pier in Gaza is on its way to the Mediterranean following President Joe Biden's announcement to increase aid deliveries to the besieged enclave. The establishment of a sea corridor, in addition to airdrops by the U.S., Jordan, and other nations, reflects growing concern over Gaza's humanitarian crisis and a willingness to bypass Israeli control over land shipments.
Israel has expressed support for the sea deliveries and will inspect Gaza-bound cargo in Cyprus before its departure. The number of aid trucks entering Gaza by land has significantly decreased due to Israeli restrictions and security concerns.
President Biden has criticized Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for his handling of the conflict with Hamas, urging more attention to the loss of innocent lives. The ongoing violence in Gaza has resulted in a rising number of Palestinian casualties, including children.
Efforts are underway to set up a temporary pier in Gaza for sea deliveries, with the first U.S. Army vessel carrying construction equipment en route to the Eastern Mediterranean. The European Union, the United States, the United Arab Emirates, and other countries are supporting the sea corridor, with U.N. agencies and the Red Cross also playing a role.
Despite these efforts, senior aid officials warn that air and sea deliveries cannot fully compensate for the shortage of supply routes on land. The push for increased aid comes as the Muslim holy month of Ramadan approaches, with hopes for a temporary cease-fire to alleviate the crisis in Gaza.
Israel initiated the conflict on Oct. 7 following an attack by Hamas militants, leading to significant casualties and a deteriorating humanitarian situation. Mediation efforts by the U.S., Egypt, and Qatar aim to secure a cease-fire and facilitate the release of hostages and prisoners, as well as increased aid access to Gaza.
