U.S. Dispatches Aid Ship to Gaza Following Biden’s Pledge to Build Pier

Last Updated on March 10, 2024 4:28 am

In a swift response to President Joe Biden’s recent commitment, the U.S. Army has deployed the logistics support vessel General Frank S Besson to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza. The vessel set sail from Joint Base Langley-Eustis in Virginia less than 36 hours after Biden’s announcement of U.S. assistance to Gaza via sea, according to a statement from U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM).

The General Frank S Besson is carrying essential equipment to establish a temporary pier, facilitating the delivery of crucial humanitarian supplies to the besieged enclave. Biden’s pledge, made during his State of the Union address, comes amid growing concerns raised by the United Nations about the potential for widespread famine among Gaza’s 2.3 million Palestinians, five months after Israel initiated its offensive in response to an attack by Hamas fighters.

Given the lack of port infrastructure in Gaza, the initial plan is to utilize Cyprus as a hub for aid shipments. Cyprus has offered a screening process for cargoes, which includes Israeli officials, streamlining the delivery process and eliminating the need for security checks within Gaza.

The situation in Gaza has worsened due to internal displacement, with significant challenges in aid distribution at land border checkpoints. Since Hamas took control of the enclave in 2007, Gaza has been under an Israeli naval blockade, severely limiting direct sea arrivals. The U.S. aid ship aims to alleviate the humanitarian crisis and contribute to international efforts to address the pressing needs of the Palestinian population in Gaza.