President Biden is set to make a groundbreaking announcement in his State of the Union address on Thursday, revealing plans for the U.S. military to construct a floating pier off the coast of Gaza. This emergency mission aims to provide crucial aid to the people of Gaza who are facing starvation.
The temporary port for aid delivery will be built from U.S. ships and then moved close to shore, attached to a temporary causeway. This ambitious project is expected to take 30 to 60 days and will involve hundreds or thousands of U.S. troops on ships just off the coast. The port will be constructed in cooperation with other countries in the region.
While the U.S. worked closely with Israel in developing the seaport initiative, it is unclear whether Israel will provide direct assistance or support for the construction and operation of the port. Israeli approval is necessary as the country controls the waters off Gaza and security within most of the enclave.
The aid delivery process will involve inspections at a port in Cyprus before being transported by ship to the coast of Gaza. The World Central Kitchen, led by Chef José Andrés, will play a key role in bringing the aid to shore using smaller boats. The port is expected to be located slightly north of the Wadi Gaza crossing.
The Army Corps of Engineers, with experience in rapid construction of floating docks, will be involved in the project. The Army’s 7th Transportation Brigade (Expeditionary) will play a significant role in the construction effort.
The new seaport will provide an additional route for humanitarian aid into Gaza, complementing the existing land crossings. President Biden has also ordered aid to be dropped into Gaza by air, with American pilots conducting multiple deliveries.
While a maritime corridor could help alleviate the hunger crisis in Gaza, officials emphasize the importance of opening more overland routes for truck convoys. The priority remains on road convoys for delivering supplies into Gaza.
This announcement comes at a critical time as President Biden faces criticism for the handling of the conflict in Gaza. The new seaport project gives him a tangible initiative to address the humanitarian catastrophe unfolding in the region.
