Official statements from the US military or Pentagon

US Military Anchors $320 Million Floating Pier in Gaza; First Trucks of Aid Arrive

May 17, 2024, 02:45 PM

The United States military has anchored a temporary floating pier off the coast of Gaza to facilitate the delivery of humanitarian aid. This initiative aims to address the critical needs of civilians in Gaza, where land routes have been largely closed due to ongoing conflict. The Pentagon confirmed that the pier, part of a $320 million project, was successfully anchored and has begun operations. The first trucks carrying aid started moving ashore early Friday at approximately 9 a.m. local time, marking the first sea-based aid delivery to Gaza in two months. The pier is expected to handle up to 150 trucks of aid daily. The initial shipment included 300 pallets of aid, with contributions from the UK. Despite this effort, aid groups and the UN have expressed concerns that the maritime route alone cannot meet the extensive needs of the population, emphasizing the necessity of reopening land routes for comprehensive aid distribution.