A temporary floating pier, crucial for the flow of humanitarian aid into Gaza from the sea, is currently being transported from the port of Ashdod towards Gaza. This development was confirmed by a US defense official. Military ships tasked with constructing and securing the pier to the beach are also en route to Gaza, indicating progress in the aid delivery efforts.
Despite initial delays due to security concerns and sea conditions, the Pentagon has announced that the pier is expected to become operational in the coming days. The port of Ashdod, located approximately 30 miles from the distribution site in Gaza, will serve as a key point for offloading goods onto the causeway, which will then transfer the shipments to the distribution point within Gaza.
The UK has also joined the aid efforts, with its first shipment of humanitarian aid, including 8,400 temporary shelters, on its way from Cyprus to Gaza. Cyprus serves as a staging point for aid shipments destined for Gaza through the maritime corridor and the temporary pier.
Once the aid reaches Gaza, it will be distributed promptly to the Palestinian population by the UN World Food Program. The US has already positioned humanitarian aid on a ship at the Ashdod port, ready for offloading once the pier is fully operational.
The Joint Logistics Over-the-Shore (JLOTS) system, comprising the floating pier and causeway, aims to supplement aid deliveries through land crossings into Gaza. The system is expected to facilitate the entry of up to 150 truckloads of aid per day when fully operational.
While security measures are in place for the commencement of JLOTS operations, the US is closely monitoring potential obstacles, including recent events in southern Gaza. Plans for transporting aid shipments from the causeway to the distribution point are still being finalized by third-party contractors.
Despite the challenges, the Pentagon remains optimistic about the successful implementation of the JLOTS system, which is estimated to cost around $320 million for the first three months of operation.
