Reports indicate that the US military has been instructed to establish a temporary port in the Gaza Strip, sparking concerns over increased military support for Israel amid its ongoing conflict in the region. According to Reuters, American officials revealed plans to construct the port along Gaza's Mediterranean coast, with "a senior administration official" set to announce the decision during the State of the Union address.
The purported aim of the operation is to facilitate the delivery of humanitarian aid into Gaza, in collaboration with other nations and humanitarian partners. The official claimed that the port would enable the daily delivery of "hundreds of additional truckloads" of aid into the territory.
Despite the humanitarian rationale, questions arise about the coordination of security for the port with Israel, and initial supplies are reportedly set to originate from Cyprus. This development comes amidst a conflict that has claimed over 30,800 Palestinian lives, predominantly civilians, since its onset on October 7.
The United States' unwavering support for Israel during the conflict has been evident, including vetoing three UN Security Council resolutions calling for an immediate ceasefire and supplying over 10,000 tons of military equipment. The revelation of over 100 separate weapons sales to Israel during the conflict further underscores the depth of US support for the Israeli regime.
As the US moves forward with plans for the Gaza port, concerns persist about the implications for the ongoing conflict and the balance of power in the region.
