The Joint Logistics Over-the-Shore (JLOTS) humanitarian aid corridor is now operational in Gaza, ready to deliver critical supplies to civilians, officials from the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) announced today.
Sonali Korde, from USAID’s bureau for humanitarian assistance, emphasized the dire conditions in Gaza and the urgent need for aid. “Conditions on the ground have not improved, and in the past two weeks, we have seen a vital border crossing close and a supply decline at a critical time,” Korde said. She stressed the importance of reaching the 2.2 million people in Gaza, particularly vulnerable groups such as mothers and children.
Navy Vice Adm. Brad Cooper, deputy commander of CENTCOM, outlined the logistical operation. The JLOTS capability, ordered by President Joe Biden in March, involves a temporary floating pier assembled off the coast of Gaza, with final assembly in the Israeli port of Ashdod. The pier is now in place, and aid deliveries will commence in the coming days.
Approximately 1,000 U.S. soldiers and sailors were involved in delivering and building this capability, supported by 14 U.S. and partner nation ships. Humanitarian assistance will be processed in Cyprus before being transported to Gaza via a floating platform and smaller military vessels.
The United Nations will oversee the receipt and distribution of aid in Gaza. Cooper highlighted that this maritime route is an additional means of delivering aid and does not replace land routes. He emphasized the purely humanitarian nature of the mission and warned against any attacks on those working to deliver aid.
“There will be no U.S. military boots on the ground in Gaza,” Cooper reiterated.–News Desk