The U.S. and its allies are working on a complex plan to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza by sea, following President Joe Biden’s order to provide relief to the people in Gaza on the brink of famine. The plan involves setting up a large floating platform off the Gaza coast, where aid shipments will be transferred from Cyprus after undergoing strict security checks. The U.S. military is coordinating with various agencies and partners to ensure the safe delivery of aid to Gaza.
The process will begin in Cyprus, where humanitarian aid will undergo security checks at Larnaca port to address Israel’s concerns about potential threats. The aid will then be loaded onto commercial vessels and taken to the floating platform off the Gaza coast, where it will be transferred to smaller Army boats for transportation to a floating causeway anchored by Israeli Defense Forces. U.S. troops will not step foot in Gaza, as per Biden’s directive, and will be housed on ships near the platform during the delivery process.
The small Army boats will sail to the causeway, where trucks loaded with aid will be driven onto the causeway and down to a secure area on land for distribution. The trucks will follow a limited route to maintain security, driven by personnel from an undisclosed country. Aid groups will collect supplies at a port facility built by the Israelis for distribution on shore, with an expected daily shipment of around 90 to 150 truckloads. However, aid agencies emphasize that the maritime corridor alone is insufficient to meet the needs in Gaza.
Security remains a significant concern in the delivery process, with threats from militants and the Israeli military. Agreements for security and aid handling are still being negotiated, including measures to ensure the safety of aid workers on the ground. Recent incidents, such as an Israeli airstrike that killed aid workers and a mortar attack by militants at the delivery site, highlight the risks involved. The U.S. military will provide its own security for the troops offshore, while the IDF will handle security on shore during the aid distribution.
While the delivery of aid by sea is a crucial step in providing relief to Gaza, aid groups and governments stress the importance of broader efforts to improve sustainable, land-based deliveries to avert famine. The current aid restrictions and challenges in land-based delivery routes need to be addressed by Israel to ensure better access for humanitarian assistance. The U.S. and other countries are working to enhance coordination and security measures to facilitate the safe and effective distribution of aid to the people in need in Gaza.
