On April 25, 2024, Gaza-based militants attacked Israeli forces preparing for a US-led maritime aid route for Gaza. The attack occurred while United Nations officials were touring the area. No American equipment was damaged as the project is not yet complete. The U.S.-led effort aims to establish a pier and causeway offshore to expand access to humanitarian aid, which is planned to be operational by the end of April or early May.
Meanwhile, construction of a new port in the Gaza Strip for the US-led operation is well underway. The site has already been targeted by militant mortar attacks, raising concerns for safety. Israeli involvement in security remains unclear and raises potential conflicts with UN plans.
Despite these challenges, efforts to expand humanitarian aid to Gaza are ramping up. Approximately 1,000 US military personnel are expected to be involved in the JLOTS pier operation once it is complete. The pier is around 550 meters long and wide enough for two lanes of trucks. Given the Gazan coast's shallow waters, the US Navy will facilitate truck transportation from roll-on/roll-off ships to the pier.
IDF sources report special efforts to protect the pier and soldiers from Hamas attacks. Cyprus will play a critical role in ferrying aid between the pier and Israel.
President Biden and 17 other world leaders called on Hamas to release all hostages seized during the October 7 terrorist attack on Israel, with over 130 hostages remaining in Gaza, including citizens of those countries. Avigail Idan, a dual citizen of Israel and the US whose parents were killed in the attack and who was held captive, met with President Biden at the White House. Hamas publicly released a video showing Hersh Goldberg-Polin, an Israeli American hostage who was grievously injured during the attack.
Israel is reportedly willing to reassess its planned operation in Rafah if there's 'a real offer' for a hostages-for-truce agreement with Hamas. Egypt has asked for a follow-up meeting with Israel in renewed efforts to mediate a deal for a ceasefire and the release of hostages in the Gaza Strip.
The United States military has begun construction of the temporary pier and causeway at sea, which is expected to boost deliveries of desperately needed aid to Gaza.
