The Pentagon announced on Thursday that an American vessel carrying aid for Gaza has departed from Cyprus, but the temporary floating pier needed to unload the supplies is not yet in place due to unsafe weather conditions.
Major General Patrick S. Ryder stated in a news briefing that the floating pier and causeway have been constructed, but it is not safe to place them off the coast of Gaza at this time. The aid on the vessel, named Sagamore, will eventually be transferred to another American motor vessel, the Roy P. Benavidez, which will then deliver the supplies to Gaza once the floating pier system is installed.
As of late Thursday evening, Sagamore was anchored at the Israeli port of Ashdod, approximately 20 miles from the nearest Gazan border crossing. General Ryder mentioned that the temporary piers are expected to be put into position in the near future, pending suitable security and weather conditions.
The United States and the World Central Kitchen have taken on the task of delivering aid to Gaza by sea after Israel prevented the construction of Gaza’s own international seaport. However, critics argue that maritime efforts are costly and complicated compared to using trucks to deliver food.
Despite challenges, the need for aid in Gaza remains urgent. The director of the World Food Program, Cindy McCain, recently stated that some areas in Gaza are already facing famine. With ongoing efforts to deliver aid to the enclave, the hope is to alleviate the suffering of the Palestinian people in need.
