03/12/2024

U.S. Army Deployment: General Frank S. Besson Sets Sail to Deliver Vital Aid to Gaza

The U.S. Army has swiftly mobilized to send vital humanitarian aid to Gaza, with the deployment of a logistics support vessel named General Frank S. Besson. Less than 36 hours after President Biden's announcement of assistance, the ship set sail from Joint Base Langley-Eustis in Virginia, carrying crucial equipment to establish a temporary pier for aid delivery in Gaza. This humanitarian response comes in the wake of dire warnings from the United Nations about the impending threat of widespread famine among the 2.3 million Palestinians residing in Gaza. The region has been embroiled in conflict, with Israel launching an offensive in response to attacks by Hamas militants. The toll of the violence is evident, as the Health Ministry in Gaza has reported a staggering 31,045 Palestinian casualties since the onset of the war. Gaza, lacking port infrastructure, faces significant challenges in receiving aid, exacerbated by internal displacement and bottlenecks at land border checkpoints. The blockade imposed by the Israeli navy since 2007 has limited direct sea arrivals, prompting the U.S. to utilize Cyprus as a critical staging point for screening cargoes before onward delivery to Gaza, including oversight by Israeli officials. In a coordinated international effort, relief supplies have been loaded onto a barge in Cyprus, destined for Gaza, marking the beginning of a maritime aid corridor. The European Commission has signaled support for this initiative, foreseeing its operationalization as early as the upcoming weekend, with funding from the United Arab Emirates driving the pilot project. Despite these developments, skepticism lingers among some Palestinians regarding the efficacy of the U.S. plans to enhance aid delivery through sea routes. To address immediate needs, the Open Arms salvage vessel, supported by the UAE-funded charity World Central Kitchen, will tow a barge loaded with 180 tonnes of food to Gaza, marking a tangible step towards alleviating the humanitarian crisis. This strategic push for increased aid to Gaza coincides with the onset of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, underscoring the urgency and significance of providing essential support to a population reeling from conflict and deprivation. As efforts intensify to navigate logistical challenges and political complexities in delivering aid to Gaza, the international community remains poised to address the pressing humanitarian needs of the region, mindful of the lives at stake and the imperative of collective action in times of crisis.