In response to President Joe Biden’s pledge, the US military ship, the General Frank S Besson, is set to construct a temporary port in Gaza to facilitate the delivery of humanitarian aid amidst an impending famine and ongoing conflict.
In a recent development, a US military ship, the General Frank S Besson, has been dispatched to Gaza to construct a temporary port aimed at improving the delivery of humanitarian aid to the region. This move follows President Joe Biden’s pledge to assist Gaza amidst warnings from the UN of an impending famine and reports of children dying from starvation. The construction of the temporary pier is expected to alleviate challenges faced by land and air deliveries, which have seen convoys attacked and casualties from falling aid packages.
President Biden’s decision comes in the wake of escalating tensions and the worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza. The region, which has been under a severe Israeli navy blockade since 2007, has experienced a significant deterioration in living conditions, prompting international efforts to provide aid. An aid ship named Open Arms, carrying 200 tonnes of food from the Spanish charity Open Arms and supported by World Central Kitchen and the UAE, is set to depart from Cyprus to Gaza, establishing a maritime corridor to deliver essential supplies.
Israel has expressed its support for the aid initiatives, planning to conduct security checks on the incoming aid to ensure safety before distribution. The conflict between Israel and Hamas has exacerbated the humanitarian situation, with a large part of Gaza’s population facing food insecurity.
Amidst these developments, President Biden has criticized Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for the high casualties in Gaza and urged a ceasefire, especially with Ramadan approaching. Biden stressed the need for Israel to defend itself but also highlighted the importance of protecting innocent lives and considering the humanitarian impact of its actions against Hamas.
The initiatives, including the construction of the temporary port by the US military and the establishment of a sea corridor from Cyprus, signify international efforts to address the dire humanitarian needs in Gaza. These efforts come at a critical time as the region faces the threat of famine and continues to grapple with the consequences of the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas.
