From the Liveblog of
Friday, March 8, 2024
Biden announces US will build pier off Gaza coast enabling maritime aid shipments
Jacob Magid is The Times of Israel's US bureau chief
US President Joe Biden announces his plan to establish a maritime corridor for humanitarian aid to reach Gaza directly from the Mediterranean Sea.
“Tonight, I’m directing the US military to lead an emergency mission to establish a temporary pier in the Mediterranean on the Gaza coast that can receive large ships carrying food, water, medicine and temporary shelters,” he says in his State of the Union address.
“No US boots will be on the ground.”
“This temporary pier would enable a massive increase in the amount of humanitarian assistance getting into Gaza every day.”
“But Israel must also do its part. Israel must allow more aid into Gaza and ensure that humanitarian workers aren’t caught in the crossfire,” Biden stresses.
