In a swift response to President Joe Biden’s recent pledge to provide humanitarian aid to Gaza, the U.S. Army has deployed the General Frank S. Besson logistics support vessel to deliver essential supplies to the besieged enclave.
CENTCOM (Central Command) announced on Sunday that the ship departed Joint Base Langley-Eustis in Virginia less than 36 hours after the president’s commitment.
The General Frank S. Besson left Joint Base Langley-Eustis in Virginia “less than 36 hours after President Biden announced the U.S. would provide humanitarian assistance to Gaza by sea,” CENTCOM said in a statement.
The logistics support vessel is “carrying the first equipment to establish a temporary pier to deliver vital humanitarian supplies,” it said.
President Biden’s announcement came during his State of the Union address, addressing the pressing need for assistance in Gaza following United Nations warnings of widespread famine among the 2.3 million Palestinians in the region.
Gaza lacks port infrastructure, making maritime aid crucial in the current circumstances.
The U.S. intends to utilize Cyprus initially, leveraging its screening process for cargoes, which includes Israeli officials. This approach aims to streamline the delivery process by eliminating the need for additional security checks within Gaza.
The humanitarian situation in Gaza has become increasingly dire, with a large portion of the population now internally displaced.
Land border checkpoints are facing severe bottlenecks, hampering the timely delivery of aid to those in need. Since 2007, Gaza has been under an Israeli navy blockade, a measure implemented after Hamas assumed control of the enclave. Direct sea arrivals have been limited since then, heightening the urgency for international efforts to address the humanitarian crisis.
The U.S. Army’s prompt deployment signifies a tangible step toward fulfilling President Biden’s commitment to aiding Gaza during this challenging period.
Chioma Kalu
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