British military personnel could soon be donning “wet boots” on the sands of Gaza, tasked with a novel mission to help deliver humanitarian aid via a new maritime corridor, according to sources close to the government. The potential deployment, which would involve driving trucks loaded with aid from a sea pier to the shore along a floating causeway, marks an unprecedented step for the UK in the region’s troubled landscape.
While Whitehall sources indicate no final decision has been made, the BBC has understood that the deployment is on the table as the aid corridor is expected to open next month. The Ministry of Defence (MoD) and Israeli army have remained tight-lipped on the matter, highlighting the sensitivity and complexity of the operation amidst the ongoing conflict.
Defence Secretary Grant Shapps has underscored the UK continued to take “a leading role in the delivery of support in coordination with the US and other international allies”. In a statement, he stressed that “It is critical we establish more routes for vital humanitarian aid to reach the people of Gaza.” And adding that British military planning teams have been entrenched within the US operational HQ in Tampa, Florida, as well as in Cyprus, to develop the safest and most effective maritime route. The UK Hydrographic Office has also contributed analysis of the Gazan shore to US planners for the development of the pier.
US officials have confirmed that an American army ship has commenced work in the eastern Mediterranean to build a large floating pier, with aid to be delivered from Cyprus. The floating causeway, described as “several hundred metres long,” is intended to bolster land-based aid deliveries that currently fall short of the overwhelming need. Despite the danger of hostilities—demonstrated by a recent mortar attack near the planned distribution zone—the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has said it will provide “security and logistics support for the JLOTS initiative… to enhance the entry of humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip”.
A senior US military official noted that no US military boots would be on the ground in Gaza, specifying that a “significant partner” would undertake the task of delivering aid ashore. Though unnamed, this partner is confirmed to be another nation, not a private military company. The UK, understood to be this key ally, already provides logistical support for the pier’s construction.
Over half of Gaza’s population of 2.2 million is crammed into the southern city of Rafah, with the Hamas-run health ministry reporting a staggering toll of more than 34,000 Palestinian casualties since hostilities began.
Relevant articles:
– UK forces may be deployed on the ground in Gaza to help deliver aid, bbc.co.uk, 04/27/2024
– British troops may be tasked with delivering Gaza aid, BBC report says, The Associated Press, Sat, 27 Apr 2024 12:21:00 GMT
– British troops may help deliver aid to Gaza, Vatican News – English, Sat, 27 Apr 2024 15:16:13 GMT
– UK forces may be deployed in Gaza under guise of aid delivery: BBC, Al Mayadeen English, Sat, 27 Apr 2024 12:21:30 GMT
– UK troops could be sent into Gaza to help with aid deliveries, Middle East Eye, Sat, 27 Apr 2024 11:38:13 GMT