The Pentagon has also given more details about the temporary port planned by the US, which is aimed at alleviating food shortages in Gaza.
The port will take “several weeks” to plan and build. Later this was clarified to being “likely up to 60 days” to complete.
Up to 1,000 US troops could be involved but they will not come ashore – even temporarily to anchor the dock to the beach, said Air Force Major General Patrick Ryder.
Once it’s operational, the US hopes it will help bring two million meals to Gazans daily. This compares to the 124,000 meals delivered by the US military in four airdrops in the past week.
US President Joe Biden also said on Friday that Israel will provide security for the temporary port being built on Gaza’s Mediterranean coast.
Using a temporary port shows the difficulties faced getting aid in by road. Road deliveries are all but impossible due to military operations, insecurity and extensive restrictions. Airdrops have gained pace but they are expensive and inefficient. Their capability is also a fraction of what should be able to be delivered by road.
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