US Dispatches Ship for Emergency Gaza Port in Humanitarian Aid Push

The US has swiftly deployed the General Frank S Besson to construct a temporary port in Gaza, following President Joe Biden’s commitment to provide humanitarian aid to the region.

Departing from Virginia less than 36 hours after the announcement, the logistics support ship aims to establish a pier facilitating the delivery of essential supplies.

This initiative addresses concerns raised by the UN about a potential famine among Gaza’s 2.3 million Palestinians after the conflict with Israel. The port would open a sea route to overcome challenges in land-based aid deliveries.

While Israel supports the temporary dock’s deployment, the exact location remains undisclosed. The aid, inspected by Israeli officials in Cyprus, aims to alleviate the impact of the blockade imposed on Gaza since 2007.

Additionally, the Open Arms aid group plans to sail from Cyprus to Gaza, delivering 200 tons of rice and flour to a designated port. Hamas has yet to respond to the proposal. The move comes as efforts intensify to address the humanitarian crisis in the region.

On March 9, 2024, U.S. Army Vessel (USAV) General Frank S. Besson (LSV-1) from the 7th Transportation Brigade (Expeditionary), 3rd Expeditionary Sustainment Command, XVIII Airborne Corps, departed Joint Base Langley-Eustis en route to the Eastern Mediterranean less than 36 hours… pic.twitter.com/X70uttuY9J

— U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) March 10, 2024