Two U.S. officials have announced that the floating platform in Gaza is expected to resume operations today, Thursday, to unload humanitarian aid crucial for the Palestinians. The officials, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, stated that the platform was reconnected to the shore on Wednesday after being temporarily disconnected last Friday due to poor sea conditions. Aid has started arriving via the platform, which was constructed by the United States on May 17, and the United Nations reported transporting loads from 137 aid trucks to warehouses, amounting to about 900 tons.
However, rough waves later destroyed the platform, necessitating repairs, and bad weather and security considerations limited the number of days it operated. President Joe Biden announced a plan in March to establish a marine platform for delivering aid as famine loomed in the Gaza Strip, which is governed by Hamas and inhabited by 2.3 million people amid the war between Israel and Palestinian militants.
U.S. military estimates indicate the cost of the platform exceeds $200 million during the first 90 days, and about a thousand service members will be involved. It remains unclear how long it will continue to operate. In a briefing at the Pentagon on Tuesday, Air Force spokesperson Patrick Ryder declined to specify when the military might cease operations at the platform altogether. He noted that the platform has thus far facilitated the arrival of over 3,500 tons of aid to Gaza's shores. He told reporters: "While always intended to be a temporary platform, I’m not aware at this point of any specific date for when we will stop." He added, "Once again, stepping back here, the big picture: whether by land, sea, or air, (the United States) is utilizing all means to deliver assistance to Gaza."
