Aid delivery to Gaza shifts to land route from Ashdod Port

US military ends temporary dock operation

The US military’s temporary maritime operation to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza has successfully concluded. The operation, which utilised a temporary dock known as Joint Logistics Over-the-Shore, completed its mission efficiently and effectively.

In a statement, US Deputy Commander Brad Cooper confirmed that future aid deliveries will now be routed through US ships departing from Cyprus to Israel’s Port of Ashdod. From there, the aid will be transported overland to Gaza via the northern border crossing with Israel.

US officials have reiterated that no American military personnel will be deployed in Gaza. The initiative, which is being carried out in collaboration with the Israeli government, is spearheaded by the US Agency for International Development (USAID).

“The temporary pier has fulfilled its role by allowing a significant volume of aid to be delivered efficiently and rapidly to Gaza,” Cooper said.

“Our assessment is that the temporary pier has achieved its intended effect to surge a very high volume of aid into Gaza and ensure that aid reaches the civilians in Gaza in a quick manner,” he added.

Nearly 20 million pounds of aid have been delivered through the pier cost-effectively. The dock provided an essential supplemental route for aid into Gaza at a critical time when other routes were challenged. Cooper said that if not delivered via the pier, this critical aid would likely not have been able to reach the people of Gaza in acute need.

The transition from the temporary maritime route to land-based delivery via Ashdod is expected to enhance the effectiveness of aid distribution. Cooper emphasised that Israel has been fully supportive of this shift.

“Over the next few weeks, we anticipate millions of pounds of aid will be transported to Gaza through this new route,” he added.

Since March, US Central Command has supported USAID and international humanitarian efforts in Gaza.

Sonali Korde, assistant administrator of USAID’s Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance, underscored the urgent need for a ceasefire and the return of hostages to facilitate the swift delivery of aid to Gaza’s most vulnerable populations.

Featured image: Nearly 20 million pounds of aid was delivered through the pier cost-effectively. Credit: US State Department