The United States and its allies are hustling to put together a complex system to deliver tons of humanitarian aid into Gaza via the sea. It’s been nearly two months since President Joe Biden gave the green light, and now U.S. Army and Navy troops are working on assembling a large floating platform several miles off the Gaza coast. This platform will serve as the launching point for aid deliveries.
However, the distribution of this aid, which could commence as early as May, hinges on a logistical and security plan that’s still being ironed out. The situation in Gaza is dire, with the United Nations warning that its people are on the brink of famine. But there are significant security concerns, and some humanitarian groups argue that instead of focusing on sea routes, efforts should be directed towards pressuring Israel to ease obstacles to aid delivery via land routes.
The setup of this aid delivery system is estimated to cost at least $320 million, as revealed by the Pentagon. Here’s how the process will unfold:
- Starting Point: Cyprus Humanitarian aid destined for Gaza via the maritime route will first arrive by air or sea to Cyprus, situated at the eastern edge of the Mediterranean Sea. At Larnaca port in Cyprus, the aid will undergo rigorous security checks. This single departure point addresses Israel’s security worries, ensuring that all cargo undergoes inspection to prevent anything that Hamas could potentially use against Israeli forces.
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Security checks will be thorough and stringent, involving various parties such as Cypriot customs, Israeli teams, the U.S., and the United Nations Office for Project Services. The screening process will include the use of mobile X-ray machines, according to a Cyprus government official who spoke on the condition of anonymity.
- Transfer to the Floating Platform Once aid pallets pass inspection, they’ll be loaded onto ships, primarily commercial vessels, and transported approximately 200 miles to the large floating pier being constructed by the U.S. military off the Gaza coast. There, the aid pallets will be transferred onto trucks, which will then be loaded onto Army boats—specifically, Logistic Support Vessels (LSVs) and Landing Craft Utility boats (LCUs).
The LSVs can accommodate up to 15 trucks each, while the LCUs can hold about five. These Army boats will ferry the trucks from the pier to a floating causeway anchored into the beach by the Israeli Defense Forces.
- Troop Accommodations and Support As per Biden’s directive that no U.S. forces will enter Gaza, the troops involved in construction, driving, and crewing the boats will be housed and supported on other ships offshore near the large floating pier. The British Royal Navy support ship RFA Cardigan Bay will provide accommodations for hundreds of U.S. sailors and soldiers. Additionally, another contracted ship will be utilized for housing, although specifics regarding this ship were not disclosed by officials.
