Israel has agreed to provide security for the temporary pier the U.S. military is planning to build in Gaza to deliver humanitarian aid to civilians on the brink of famine, according to two U.S. officials familiar with the plans.
Under the plans being discussed, which have not yet been finalized, the Israel Defense Forces would establish a “security bubble” to protect the U.S. personnel building the pier as well as the individuals involved in offloading and distributing the aid, said one of the officials, both of whom were granted anonymity to speak about sensitive discussions.
The IDF would also be responsible for physically securing the pier to the beach, the officials said.
The U.S. is still in the planning stages and nothing has been finalized, the officials stressed. Another partner country may also be involved in providing some security, depending on where in Gaza the pier is ultimately built, they said.A spokesperson for the IDF said it “will be coordinating with the U.S. military to facilitate the project indeed” but declined to provide specifics.
The pier was promised by President Joe Biden in his State of the Union address earlier this month amid concerns about the humanitarian situation in Gaza, where more than 30,000 people have died since the war began, according to Gaza authorities, and where U.N. officials have warned famine is imminent.
Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin discussed the importance of getting more humanitarian aid into Gaza, including security for the temporary pier, with Israeli Minister of Defense Yoav Gallant during a meeting at the Pentagon on Tuesday, according to the second U.S. official.
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@ISIDEWITH2yrs2Y
Do you believe that providing security measures can truly alleviate the suffering of people in crisis, or does it merely address the symptoms?
@9L5YGPY2yrs2Y
For example the IDF attacking Hamas it can create problems with the U.S later on since the U.S. is helping the IDF.
I think it will lessen tragic events from happening.
@9L66GGT2yrs2Y
I do believe that providing security measures can help, it not only helps but it does bring attention to it which is also a good thing as it can spark public support.
I think it only addresses the symptoms. It’s a systemic issue.
@ISIDEWITH2yrs2Y
If you had the power to design a humanitarian aid project for a conflict area, what would you prioritize to ensure both safety and dignity for the recipients?
@9L5ZX562yrs2Y
I would prioritize the ones being attacked
@9L5ZWWJProgressive2yrs2Y
Humanitarian aid is very important during situations that involve many displaced civilians who need help.
@9L64S9KRepublican2yrs2Y
All humans should be treated with fairness and with respect to their dignity
@9L63FMZ2yrs2Y
The safety of a person is what matters most to me. So the possibility to aid them especially in a more conflicted area will do more than just letting it happen.
@ISIDEWITH2yrs2Y
Imagine if a foreign military were needed to protect food delivery in your community; what concerns might you have about this scenario?
@9L629WT2yrs2Y
Let them work it out without getting involved
@9L628K32yrs2Y
I have concerns where the community might start protesting and it get out of hand
@9L5ZZJ42yrs2Y
There would be many security concerns.
@9L5ZR8NRepublican2yrs2Y
I'd be getting out of that community because why would i stay if we need help and protection...
@SomberKittenVeteran2yrs2Y
This is not a good development.
Israel is now being asked to protect US forces.
We have gone from the laudable principle of “Israel fights for itself, by itself” to whatever this is.
Now imagine the fallout from one US casualty.
@TrustingMooseDemocrat2yrs2Y
That ship was full of dominion voting machines and mypillow slippers. Coincidence? Or is it happening!!
Not only are we going to be resupplying rations to Hamas, because we know that is what is going to happen with this aid, but Israel is to protect us while we do it? Another question: Where is the UN? This effort has their name written all over it, but once again, we are alone.
@SomberSparrowRepublican2yrs2Y
I feel like Israel should do the same thing here that the despicable US representative did at the UN vote - "abstain" and let them deal with the palestinians themselves. Then maybe they would start to understand what Israel has to deal with every day.
Hmmm, let's look back in recent history and see what may be in store for an American naval ship being protected by Israel? Here's an idea. Let's stay the hell out of the mideast and let the competing deities sort out the situations.
@KingdomShadsGreen2yrs2Y
Everything about this is completely incoherent. Biden is funding and supporting and not supporting both sides of this conflict.
Yes, but at the same time Israel and only Israel will be blamed for anything that needs to be done to protect US forces.
If US personnel get hurt, we'll be blamed.
If the operation can't be secured, we'll get blamed.
It's a no win scenario for Israel.
Keeping US forces safe means, unless everyone has lost their minds, that in doing so Israel can take measures no less sensible, aggressive and decisive than the US would permit its own forces to take. This significantly enlarges Israel's freedom of action in the battles ahead.
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