US to build pier on Gaza shore, dredging work needed

The US has dispatched a vessel to build a temporary port in Gaza to supply vital humanitarian aid to Palestinian civilians.

The U.S. Army Vessel (USAV) General Frank S Besson set sail from Virginia “less than 36 hours after President Joe Biden announced the US would provide humanitarian assistance to Gaza by sea,” US Central Command said in its statement.

Besson, a logistics support vessel, is carrying the first equipment to establish a temporary pier to deliver vital humanitarian supplies.

“No U.S. boots will be on the ground,” said Biden, who did not indicate where the planned pier might be located.

Most of Gaza’s coast is beach and larger vessels would be unable to approach it without dredging work.

Pentagon spokesperson Air Force Major General, Patrick Ryder, said that planning for the temporary port system was still in the early stages and would take “likely up to 60 days” to complete, involving some 1,000 troops, though none would be deployed ashore.