Israel Readying for U.S. Military’s Floating Pier off Gaza Coast for Humanitarian Aid

Latest Developments

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced on April 27 that it is preparing to receive a floating pier that the United States is building off the Gaza coast for the purpose of “receiving humanitarian aid in Gaza.” Pentagon Deputy Press Secretary Sabrina Singh said on April 29 that the pier is on track to be operational in May.

The Israeli government also released images of a 67-acre site on the shore through which the humanitarian aid will pass. Israeli forces are securing the area during construction. Terrorists conducted a mortar attack on the “marshalling area” for aid coming off the pier, Pentagon Press Secretary Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder said on April 25.

Expert Analysis

“The close coordination between Israel and the United States on the creation of a floating pier off the coast of Gaza is an important development to provide aid to Gaza amid the ongoing war. U.S. support for a floating pier, along with support from the United Kingdom, is a positive symbol of how the capabilities of the IDF, the United States, and the United Kingdom can come together to address complex challenges, such as the conflict in Gaza.” — Seth J. Frantzman, FDD Adjunct Fellow

“It’s noteworthy to mention the floating pier will supplement what is already underway — robust land delivery and air drops of aid to the Gaza Strip. While it is a worthy cause, the venture may carry more risk than reward. There are more than a dozen armed terrorist groups in Gaza, and the opportunity to attack U.S., British, and Israeli personnel working on the pier could well amount to an unnecessary and dangerous risk.” — Joe Truzman, Senior Research Analyst at FDD’s Long War Journal

U.S. Begins Construction of Temporary Pier

Several U.S. Army and Navy vessels arrived off the coast of Gaza on April 25 to prepare the floating pier. “U.S. military vessels, to include the USNS Benavidez, have begun to construct the initial stages of the temporary pier and causeway at sea,” Ryder said on April 25. On April 26, the United Kingdom revealed that it was sending a ship to support the construction of the floating pier.

Shipments arriving at the U.S.-built pier could bring up to 150 additional truckloads of aid into Gaza per day, the Pentagon said. As reported by the Israeli government, 273 aid trucks entered Gaza from Israel on April 27. Some of the aid trucks have been routed to northern Gaza. Additionally, on April 27, a ship carrying 400 tons of aid departed from Cyprus for Israel’s port of Ashdod, where the aid will be offloaded and then transported to northern Gaza, according to CNN.

Related Analysis

“Terrorists Attack U.S. Pier Under Construction Off Gaza Coast,” FDD Flash Brief

“Hamas Places Rocket Launch Sites Near Civilian Shelters in Gaza,” FDD Flash Brief

“Israeli Troops to Provide Protection for Gaza Aid Pier,” FDD Flash Brief

“What the World Kitchen Strike Tells Us About Israel and Its Enemies,” FDD Insight