USA (Washington Insider Magazine)— In his State of the Union address on March 7, 2024, U.S. President Joe Biden confirmed that the U.S. military will establish a temporary port in Gaza to facilitate the delivery of humanitarian aid to Palestinians in need. Biden emphasized that no U.S. troops would be deployed on the ground, but a temporary pier would allow for a significant increase in daily aid shipments to Gaza.
The president also urged Israel to allow more aid into Gaza, ensuring that humanitarian workers are not caught in the conflict. “Humanitarian assistance cannot be a secondary consideration or a bargaining chip,” Biden stated, calling on Israeli leadership to act accordingly.
U.S. officials revealed that the aid would be routed through Cyprus to the new port, while the White House continues to push Israel and Egypt to open land crossings at Rafah and Kerem Shalom. This initiative comes as Biden pushes Congress to pass his foreign aid bill, which includes military support for Israel, Ukraine, and Taiwan.
The Senate has already passed the $95 billion foreign aid plan, which includes $14 billion for Israel’s military, but opposition from Republican lawmakers, including House Speaker Mike Johnson, has stalled the bill in the House. Biden responded to this resistance by underscoring the importance of U.S. leadership in global security, citing the risks posed by withdrawing support for Ukraine and other allies.
Senate Armed Services Committee leaders praised Biden’s plan for the temporary port, highlighting its potential to alleviate the humanitarian crisis in Gaza by delivering vital supplies such as food, medical aid, and shelter. This initiative, alongside ongoing air drops, is expected to provide significant relief to those suffering in the region.
