US-led Gaza aid mission progresses amid lingering concerns

The construction of a new port in Gaza and a U.S.-built offshore pier is in progress, intended to enhance the delivery of critical food supplies to Palestinian civilians. However, security concerns and logistical challenges continue to complicate the efforts.

Recently, the new Israeli-built port faced a mortar attack that forced U.N. officials to seek shelter, highlighting ongoing security challenges. Despite visible construction activities near Gaza City, there are significant concerns among aid groups about safety and how Israeli forces will manage security.

Sonali Korde from the U.S. Agency for International Development highlighted that negotiations over security protocols and aid handling are still ongoing. The goal is to establish a system that ensures the safety of aid workers in the challenging environment of Gaza.

A senior U.S. military official indicated that aid deliveries through the new facilities are expected to start by early May, aiming initially for about 90 trucks per day, potentially increasing to 150. However, the timeline for installing the U.S.-constructed causeway to the beach depends on the security conditions, which are constantly assessed. The Israeli Defense Force has dedicated a significant force to secure these operations.

Despite these preparations, the humanitarian mission faced skepticism following an incident where seven aid workers from the World Central Kitchen were killed by an Israeli airstrike. This has intensified calls from some aid groups to focus on pressuring Israel to ease land-based aid deliveries.

The U.N. plans to control the Gaza port operations through three zones for aid transfer, with security being a paramount concern. Despite the potential benefits of the port for aid delivery, ongoing threats from groups like Hamas, who oppose foreign military presence, continue to pose risks.

The World Food Program, leading the aid effort, emphasizes the necessity of safe operations to reach communities effectively. However, the U.N. and other agencies face dilemmas over how Israeli forces intend to secure the port, with disagreements over proposed security measures like remote-controlled gun positions.

Ultimately, while the port and pier could significantly boost aid to Gaza, the complexity and cost of such operations, alongside other methods like airdrops, continue to challenge the effectiveness and safety of these humanitarian efforts.