In May, a storm had severely damaged the temporary port intended to facilitate humanitarian aid to Gaza.
On June 7th, the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) announced the restoration of this temporary port, enabling the continuation of crucial aid deliveries to the local population.
The pier, constructed by the U.S. military, had only been operational for about a week before being destroyed by strong winds and rough seas on May 25th. The damaged section was successfully reconnected to Gaza’s shoreline last Friday.
This temporary port is one of the vital channels for delivering food and other emergency supplies to the Palestinians, who are caught in the crossfire of the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, now in its ninth month.
Accelerating Humanitarian Aid
According to Vice Admiral Cooper, the volume of humanitarian aid passing through the pier is expected to increase compared to the initial delivery period. As of Saturday, both civilian and military ships have offloaded a total of approximately 492 tons of essential aid for Gaza’s residents.
In this effort, France has deployed a ship to deliver aid to Gaza via the humanitarian corridor from Cyprus. The BSAM LOIRE has already completed six rotations, transporting a total of 642 tons of humanitarian cargo. This aid, carried by the French Navy, includes food and blankets from various countries and institutions, notably the European Union, the United Kingdom, and Romania. The journey between Cyprus and Gaza takes about twelve hours.
The restoration of the temporary pier in Gaza is just one step in ensuring that essential supplies reach those in need. However, it cannot be the sole solution.
According to the United Nations, nearly all of Gaza’s 2.4 million residents have been displaced by the fighting and bombings and are facing food insecurity, with a significant risk of widespread famine.
