The United States Central Command (CENTCOM) has anchored a floating pier to a beach in Gaza to support the humanitarian mission of delivering aid to Palestinian civilians. The pier was transported from the port of Ashdod to the Gaza beach and will facilitate the offloading of humanitarian aid shipments. The United Nations will coordinate the distribution of aid within the besieged strip, and no US troops will enter Gaza. This pier is part of the Joint Logistics Over-the-Shore (JLOTS) system, consisting of a floating pier and causeway to transfer shipments to Gaza’s distribution point.
The United Kingdom has also sent its first shipment of humanitarian aid, including 8,400 temporary shelters, from Cyprus to Gaza through the maritime corridor and the newly anchored pier. The aid will be distributed within Gaza as soon as possible, according to the UK announcement. The temporary pier aims to supplement aid entering Gaza through land crossings, with an initial goal of allowing 90 truckloads of aid per day and potentially increasing to 150 truckloads when fully operational. The US is preparing its humanitarian aid on a ship in Ashdod for offloading when the pier is ready.
Vice Adm. Brad Cooper emphasized that the temporary pier will not replace land routes into Gaza and that there will be no US military presence on the ground in Gaza. The aid process involves screening and preparing aid in Cyprus, transferring it to a floating platform near the Gaza coast, and then offloading it onto smaller vessels that can dock at the temporary pier. The aid will be distributed by the UN and World Food Program in Gaza. Numerous nations have provided aid ready for delivery, with more aid in the pipeline for distribution.
Logistical challenges have been faced before the start of JLOTS operations, including monitoring the impact of Israeli activities in Rafah and finalizing plans for transporting humanitarian aid from the causeway to the distribution point in Gaza. The Pentagon has contracted drivers for the pier, but specific details are not disclosed. Security measures have been put in place to commence JLOTS operations once the pier is fully operational. The estimated cost of JLOTS for the first three months is $320 million, with a plan developed by the US and Israel to protect personnel involved in the project.
USAID’s response director acknowledged the constant risks associated with operations in Gaza but stated that JLOTS and the causeway do not face additional risks beyond those already present in the region. Security measures are in place, and the distribution of humanitarian aid to Palestinians will be coordinated by the UN World Food Program once the aid reaches Gaza. Overall, the establishment of the temporary pier in Gaza aims to support the ongoing humanitarian efforts and provide essential aid to the Palestinian population in need.
