The Pentagon reported today that while 569 metric tons of aid have landed off the Defense Department’s Joint Logistics Over-the-Shore (JLOTS) pier in Gaza, delivering the aid to the Palestinian people has encountered significant challenges.
Pentagon Press Secretary Air Force Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder informed reporters that aid is reaching the shore, and the amount should increase as the process continues. However, desperate Palestinians have been mobbing the trucks as they leave the marshalling yards, complicating the distribution efforts. Ryder mentioned ongoing discussions among the U.S., Israel, and the United Nations to identify alternative routes for the safe movement of staff and cargo.
Shipments from the marshalling yards were temporarily halted, but movements from the assembly area resumed today. The process involves countries and agencies sending aid to Cyprus, where it is inspected, palletized, and shipped to the floating pier off the coast of Gaza. From there, it is transferred to a causeway for landing and subsequently handed over to non-governmental organizations for distribution to warehouses and the Palestinian people in need.
Ryder described this as a “crawl, walk, run” process, expressing optimism that the amount of aid will increase in the coming days. He emphasized that the maritime corridor is one of several tools being used to deliver lifesaving aid to Gaza.
“Our focus is on ensuring that the Palestinian people receive the aid,” Ryder said. “In any complex operation, there will be challenges and hurdles to overcome. That’s what we specialize in, and we will make it happen and get this food to the Palestinian people.”
Ryder also noted the added complexity of operating in a combat zone, which necessitates careful consideration of security measures.–News Desk