A shipment of humanitarian aid departed from Cyprus and was en route to the newly built pier in Gaza, with the relief desperately needed as people are on the brink of famine and facing evacuation orders. Israel has seized control of the Rafah crossing with Egypt, shutting down a vital border entry point. There are concerns about an imminent all-out invasion of Rafah as Israel aims to destroy Hamas, following a recent attack on southern Israel by the militant group. The war has led to a high number of Palestinian casualties and displacement of many people in Gaza.
President Joe Biden has stated that the U.S. will not supply offensive weapons for an assault on Rafah due to concerns for civilian safety. Instead, the U.S. will provide defensive armaments like Iron Dome rocket interceptors. However, some Israeli officials have criticized this stance, with National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir implying that Hamas supports Biden. The U.S. vessel Sagamore has departed from Cyprus with humanitarian assistance bound for Gaza, as part of efforts to deliver aid through a maritime corridor since land crossings have been limited.
The construction of a temporary pier and causeway off the Gaza coast as a delivery point for aid has been completed by the U.S. military, but the installation has been delayed due to weather conditions and logistical issues. There are plans to move the platform into place on the shore once it is safe to do so. While aid coming by sea is essential, humanitarian workers emphasize the importance of land access for effective assistance. The closure of Rafah and Kerem Shalom crossings has disrupted the entry of food, supplies, and fuel for aid trucks and generators, putting the distribution network at risk of collapse.
International aid groups have raised concerns about a potential collapse of the distribution network in Gaza due to fuel shortages and the threat of an Israeli invasion in Rafah. The reopening of the Kerem Shalom crossing did not lead to aid trucks entering Gaza, as workers were unable to access the facility due to security concerns. Israel has conducted airstrikes across Gaza, resulting in civilian casualties, including children. The ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas has had devastating consequences for the civilian population in Gaza, with urgent humanitarian assistance needed to address the crisis.
