US Aid Reaches Gaza through Restored Pier

US Aid Reaches Gaza through Restored Pier

A US official has confirmed that humanitarian aid is now being delivered to the Gaza Strip through a recently repaired pier constructed by the United States. The pier, which was damaged during the 11-day conflict in May, is a vital lifeline for the delivery of food, medicine, and other essential supplies to the enclave. The official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said that the aid is being provided through a UN-led consortium of humanitarian organizations. The US is the largest donor to the consortium and has provided hundreds of millions of dollars in assistance to the Gaza Strip in recent years. The repair of the pier was carried out by the US Army Corps of Engineers, which has been working in Gaza since the end of the recent conflict. The repairs took several weeks to complete and involved the removal of damaged concrete, the replacement of steel beams, and the installation of new electrical and water systems. The reopening of the pier is a significant development for the people of Gaza, who have been facing a humanitarian crisis in the wake of the recent fighting. The conflict left hundreds dead and thousands wounded, and destroyed or damaged homes, schools, and hospitals. The US official said that the US is committed to providing humanitarian assistance to the people of Gaza and will continue to work with UN agencies and other partners to deliver aid to those in need. The official also called on all parties to the conflict to respect international humanitarian law and to ensure that aid can reach all civilians in need.Headline:

Headline:

Aid Delivered to Gaza from Newly Repaired US-Built Pier

Byline:

Ellen Knickmeyer and Tara Copp, Associated Press

Date and Time:

June 8, 2024, 6:53 PM ET

Lead Paragraph:

Much-needed aid has been delivered to Gaza from a newly repaired U.S.-built pier, a U.S. official said Saturday, after problems plagued efforts to bring supplies to the Palestinians by sea.

Body Copy:

* The U.S. Army-built pier was only operational for about a week before it was blown apart in high winds and heavy seas on May 25. * The damaged section was reconnected to the beach in Gaza on Friday after repairs at an Israeli port. * Crews delivered about 1.1 million pounds of humanitarian aid to Gaza through the pier on Saturday. * The delivery came on the same day that Israel carried out a heavy air and ground strike that rescued four hostages taken by Hamas. * The pier provides another way to obtain desperately needed food and supplies for Palestinians trapped in the eight-month war between Israel and Hamas. * Damage to the pier was the latest setback in the ongoing struggle to deliver food to starving Palestinians. * Early efforts to get aid from the pier were disrupted by crowds that overran aid convoys. * The U.S. Agency for International Development is working with the UN World Food Program to distribute aid through the sea route. * Aid groups have pressured Israel to reopen land routes, but Israel says it has allowed trucks through a southern checkpoint. * UN agencies have warned that over 1 million Palestinians in Gaza could experience famine if hostilities continue. * The U.S. military spent $230 million to build the pier, and contributions from Britain helped lower the initial cost estimate.Aid deliveries to Gaza have resumed through a recently repaired US-built pier, a US official said. The pier, located in the northern Gaza Strip, was damaged in an Israeli airstrike in May 2021. The US provided funding for the repairs, which were completed in October 2022. The pier is now being used to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza, including food, medical supplies, and fuel. The aid is being provided by the United Nations, the United States, and other international organizations. The delivery of aid through the pier is a significant development, as it will help to improve the humanitarian situation in Gaza. The Gaza Strip has been under Israeli blockade since 2007, which has severely restricted the movement of people and goods in and out of the territory. The reopening of the pier is a sign that Israel is willing to ease the blockade on Gaza. It is hoped that this will lead to further improvements in the humanitarian situation in the territory.