Aid groups have begun distributing humanitarian aid in Gaza, overcoming numerous obstacles, including Hamas drone attacks and looting, which initially delayed deliveries. Over 500 tons of aid have been unloaded, with the majority either distributed or on its way to those in need, according to senior USAID officials.
The distribution process faced major hurdles from the start. Aid deliveries from the US dock to warehouses in Gaza were initially stalled by a Hamas drone strike on the IDF several kilometers away, paralyzing convoy movements. Additionally, some trucks were looted, further complicating the delivery process. The US military had to collaborate with USAID to find safer routes for transporting aid from the beach marshalling area to the warehouses.
Vice Adm. Brad Cooper, deputy commander of U.S. Central Command, noted that such distribution problems are not unique but are indicative of the challenging operating environment in Gaza. Over a thousand U.S. troops contributed to the construction of the humanitarian pier off Gaza’s coast over two months, launching the operation last week.
Despite these setbacks, efforts to distribute the aid continue. As of a recent update, 27 trucks carrying over 185 metric tons of aid left the sorting area on Gaza Beach for further distribution. USAID officials highlight that, while land crossings often remain closed or jammed due to Israeli inspections, the maritime corridor is intended to complement land routes to ensure aid reaches those in need.
The situation in Gaza is dire, with widespread food insecurity and parts of the area already experiencing famine. Fuel shortages also hamper the ability to distribute much-needed assistance. On May 21, the Pentagon anticipated setbacks in its plan to deliver aid via a floating jetty, reporting that some relief supplies were looted, which prompted discussions on alternative routes.
According to Major General Patrick Ryder, while 569 tons of relief supplies were collected, it was unclear how much reached Gaza. The complexities of operating in a war zone, rather than poor planning, were to blame for the slow start in aid delivery. The cost of the operation is estimated to be around $320 million.
Senator Dick Durbin has criticized the Biden administration for supplying weapons to Israel while seeming to obstruct humanitarian aid to Gaza. Secretary of State Antony Blinken acknowledged the criticism but defended the administration's actions, stating that Hamas' role in the conflict complicates the humanitarian efforts.
Efforts continue to establish a functioning sea route and open more land routes to bring aid into Gaza. The ongoing humanitarian crisis underscores the urgent need for secure and consistent access to deliver vital supplies to the Palestinian population.
- The Biden administration's continued push for improved conditions in Gaza is leading to strained relations with Israel. Differences in policy over Gaza's humanitarian needs and Israel's offensive strategies are at the forefront of these tensions.
- Daniel Dieckhaus of USAID emphasized that the humanitarian pier was never intended to replace border crossings but to complement them, aiding in the distribution of humanitarian assistance more effectively.
- The high cost of constructing the floating pier has spurred debate, with some questioning its necessity when opening land routes could be a simpler solution.
- US military efforts are also focused on airdropping aid to Gaza, recognizing that the combined resources of sea and air routes are still insufficient to meet the massive needs of the civilian population.
