Israel to set up port facility to replace US Gaza pier, field hospital for Palestinian children

Defense Minister Yoav Galant says Israel will soon replace the US military’s offshore pier for delivering aid to the Gaza Strip with a dedicated facility in a southern Israeli port.

Galant says that “Pier 28” will be established in Israel’s Ashdod port to help deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza. He did not say when it would begin operating.

The American temporary pier, located off Gaza’s coast, has been beset by ongoing weather and security problems since it was installed in May. The US has said it is winding down the project, although officials say it has been a success in delivering badly needed food aid to the territory.

Gallant announced the decision after a meeting with Army Gen. Erik Kurilla, the head of the US Central Command.

“The minister emphasized the defense establishment’s commitment to working with international partners to ensure the entry of critical humanitarian aid to Gaza,” his office says.

Gallant’s office also said he has instructed the military to set up a field hospital in Israel to treat Palestinian children who are unable to leave Gaza for medical care abroad.

It said the decision was made because of the extended closure of Gaza’s Rafah crossing into Egypt. The crossing has been closed since Israeli forces captured it in early May. Egypt has refused to reopen the crossing while it remains under Israeli control.

“This is a significant short-term solution that will address immediate humanitarian needs until a permanent mechanism is established to evacuate and treat ill children,” his office said.

It was not clear when the hospital would open.