Two American officials told Reuters that the Gaza’s maritime dock is expected to resume operations today, Thursday, to unload humanitarian aid needed by the residents of the sector.
The officials, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, said Gaza’s maritime dock was reconnected to the shore on Wednesday after being temporarily detached last Friday due to poor sea conditions.
Aid began arriving through the dock, which was built by the United States on May 17. The United Nations reported that it transferred loads from 137 aid trucks to warehouses, amounting to about 900 tons.
However, rough waves later damaged the dock, necessitating repairs, and bad weather and security considerations limited the number of operational days.
In March, President Joe Biden announced a plan to establish a maritime dock to deliver aid as famine approached in Gaza, home to about 2.3 million people due to the ongoing war between Israel and Gaza.
U.S. military estimates indicate that the cost of the dock exceeds $200 million in the first 90 days.
It is unclear how long it will remain operational.
Speaking at the Pentagon on Tuesday, Air Force spokesperson Patrick Ryder declined to specify when the military might completely halt dock operations. He said the dock has so far allowed over 3,500 tons of aid to reach Gaza’s shores.
He told reporters, “Noting that this was always intended to be a temporary dock, I am not aware at this stage of any specific date for when we will stop,” adding, “Again, taking a step back here, the bigger picture: Whether by land, sea, or air, (the United States) is using all means to deliver aid to Gaza,” as he put it.
source: lualuatv
