Two U.S. officials told Reuters on Wednesday that the floating dock in Gaza is expected to resume operations today (Thursday) to unload much-needed humanitarian aid for Palestinians.
The officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the dock was reconnected to the shore on Wednesday after being temporarily detached last Friday due to poor sea conditions.
Aid began arriving through the dock, which was constructed by the United States on May 17. The United Nations reported that it had transported loads from 137 aid trucks to warehouses, amounting to about 900 tons. However, subsequent rough waves damaged the dock, necessitating repairs. Poor weather conditions and security considerations limited the number of operational days.
In March, U.S. President Joe Biden announced a plan to establish a sea dock for delivering aid as famine loomed in Gaza, which is governed by Hamas and home to 2.3 million people, during the conflict between Israel and Palestinian militants.
The U.S. military estimates that the dock’s cost will exceed $200 million in the first 90 days, with around 1,000 service members involved in the operations. It is unclear how long the dock will remain in operation.
Speaking at the Pentagon on Tuesday, Air Force spokesperson Patrick Ryder declined to specify when the military might completely cease dock operations. He noted that the dock has so far facilitated the delivery of over 3,500 tons of aid to Gaza’s shores.
Addressing reporters, he said, “Given that this was always intended to be a temporary dock, I am not aware of any specific date at this stage for when we will stop.” He added, “Again, taking a step back here, the bigger picture is that the United States is using all means—land, sea, or air—to deliver aid to Gaza.”
