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During a press briefing, U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin mentioned that he hadn’t observed any indications suggesting that Hamas was planning an attack on U.S. troops. However, he mentioned that adequate measures were being implemented for the safety of military personnel.
Approximately 1,000 U.S. troops are currently aiding in the construction of a new temporary pier off the coast of Gaza. President Joe Biden has instructed U.S. personnel to refrain from stepping foot on Gaza’s shoreline during the construction of the pier.
According to John Kirby, the White House national security spokesman, a maritime pier built by the U.S. military to facilitate the delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza should become operational within days. However, poor weather conditions have hindered the final preparations for opening the pier.
Kirby’s statement comes as the United States has urged both Israel and Hamas to ensure the uninterrupted flow of aid intended for civilians in Gaza. This call follows an incident where a shipment of aid from Jordan was attacked by Israeli settlers and subsequently diverted by Palestinian militants.
The construction of the pier by U.S. military personnel aims to streamline the distribution of humanitarian assistance to those in need in the Gaza Strip. Despite the weather-related delays, the White House expects the pier to begin operations imminently, facilitating the efficient delivery of crucial aid supplies.