Biden to have US military build a port in Gaza

US military will lead emergency mission to establish a port in the Mediterranean on the Gaza coast

President Biden is set to direct the U.S. military to take the lead on an emergency mission aimed at constructing a port along the Gaza coast in the Mediterranean. This initiative is designed to facilitate the influx of large vessels loaded with essential supplies, including food, water, medicine, and temporary shelters, directly into Gaza. The announcement is expected to be a highlight of the president's speech tonight.

The strategic establishment of this port, which will feature a temporary pier, is expected to dramatically increase the capacity for delivering hundreds of truckloads of humanitarian assistance daily. To ensure the security and effective distribution of aid, the U.S. will collaborate closely with Israeli authorities, the United Nations, and various humanitarian non-governmental organizations (NGOs). Furthermore, the distribution of assistance within Gaza and to Israeli settlements will be coordinated through Cyprus, with the U.S. military and an international coalition playing key roles.

Officials have outlined that the creation of this new port capability will require meticulous planning and several weeks for execution. Forces necessary for this mission are either already positioned in the region or will be deployed shortly. The U.S. is actively seeking to forge a coalition comprising European, Middle Eastern, and other international partners to provide both capabilities and financial support for this critical endeavor.

While specific details regarding the number of personnel and the operational security measures remain under wraps, officials have emphasized that the operation will strive to avoid U.S. military boots on the ground. This approach aims to create a redundant system for aid delivery, minimizing reliance on a few critical crossings which could potentially fail and impede assistance efforts.

Clarifications provided by officials indicate that while the operation will involve U.S. military personnel aboard military vessels, it will not necessitate their presence ashore for the installation of the pier or causeway facility. This facility is crucial for the onshore transportation of humanitarian assistance.

This announcement comes in the wake of the U.S. having already contributed over $180 million in assistance following the Oct. 7 attacks by Hamas on southern Israel. Despite these efforts, officials acknowledge that the current aid flow into Gaza is insufficient to meet the escalating needs of the Palestinian people. President Biden is expected to underscore the necessity for increased international aid efforts and confirm the U.S. commitment to utilizing every possible channel to expedite additional assistance into Gaza, highlighting this initiative as a step towards fulfilling that commitment.