The United States is taking significant steps to address the growing humanitarian crisis in Gaza by establishing an innovative sea route to deliver urgent aid, as famine looms over the enclave’s population. The American military, in coordination with the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), is spearheading the construction of a floating pier off the coast of Gaza, the United States expects to have on-the-ground arrangements in Gaza ready for humanitarian workers to start delivering food, treatment for starving children and other urgent assistance by early to mid-month.
The $320 million initiative, described as a priority by USAID, has been launched amidst the devastating impacts of the prolonged Israel-Hamas conflict, which has now stretched close to seven months, and the consequent Israeli restrictions on humanitarian aid. According to an official with USAID, half of Gaza’s 2.3 million people are at imminent risk of famine, with acute malnutrition rates among children under 5 skyrocketing from 1% before the war to 30% five months into the conflict.
USAID is coordinating with various partners, including the U.N. World Food Program and the Israeli government, to facilitate the security and distribution logistics for the pier project. USAID Administrator Samantha Power is due later Friday to announce a $200 million investment to ramp up U.S. production of emergency nutritional treatment for starving children under 5, as conflicts in Gaza, Sudan, Haiti and elsewhere drive up the need.
Despite the efforts, the maritime route will initially only cater to approximately half a million people, a fraction of those in need. Nevertheless, this sea operation, as emphasized by U.N. spokesman Stephane Dujarric, is being collaborated on with the U.N., although he indicated a preference for more land operations, underscoring the need to adhere to basic humanitarian principles of independence from military interference.
Challenges remain, as illustrated by difficulties faced during the first aid delivery through a recently reopened land corridor into northern Gaza. Israeli settlers initially blocked a convoy, and subsequently, Hamas militants diverted a World Food Program truck.
The maritime project has faced setbacks due to high winds and sea swells, prompting U.S. Central Command to temporarily pause the offshore assembly. A U.S. official said the high seas will delay the installation for several days, possibly until later next week. The official, who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss operation details, said the pause could last longer if the bad weather continues because military personnel and divers have to get into the water to do some of the final installation.
Relevant articles:
– US Military’s Gaza Aid Pier Is on Track, USAID Says. Treating Starving Children Is a Priority., Military, 05/04/2024
– New sea route for Gaza aid is on track, USAID says. Treating starving children is a priority, Los Angeles Times, 05/03/2024
– US military ships are working to build a pier for Gaza aid. It’s going to cost at least $320 million, ABC News, 05/03/2024
– A new sea route for Gaza aid is on track, USAID says. Treating starving children is a priority, The Associated Press, 05/03/2024
– The US is building a pier off Gaza to bring in humanitarian aid. Here’s how it would work, The Associated Press, 04/30/2024