With tons of supplies stalled since June, officials are exploring alternative routes to deliver aid amidst rising security and logistical challenges.
On Wednesday evening, a meeting between senior officials from the United States, the United Nations, and Israel took place to discuss restarting food aid distribution in Gaza, where millions of pounds of humanitarian supplies have been delayed since June 9. The aid has been held in the custody of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) since the U.N.’s World Food Program halted deliveries over security concerns.
The meeting, which occurred at an Israeli military base near Ashdod, included key figures such as Lt. Gen. Patrick Frank, commander of U.S. Army Central Command; Maj. Gen. Yaron Finkleman, commander of the IDF’s Southern Command; and a senior U.N. humanitarian coordinator. U.S. officials familiar with the discussions reported that there is increasing optimism that aid distribution could resume soon.
Since the suspension of deliveries, the U.S. military’s Joint Logistics Over the Shore (JLOTS) system, built to facilitate the delivery of supplies via a temporary pier, has brought over 14 million pounds of aid to Gaza. However, due to expected high sea states this weekend, the JLOTS system is likely to be moved back to Israel to avoid damage from rising waves, as it has been vulnerable to bad weather conditions. The pier has already been towed back three times, including once after being damaged by high winds and waves.
As a result of the unpredictable nature of sea conditions and ongoing security concerns, U.S. officials are exploring alternative delivery routes for future aid shipments. One option being considered is using Ashdod, located about 20 miles north of Gaza, for ground-based and maritime deliveries. The goal is to ensure the safe and efficient distribution of supplies to the needy population in Gaza, where the risk of famine continues to grow due to the delays in aid.