Israeli Defense Force (IDF) fighter planes launched airstrikes targeting a residential tower located in the central district of Rafah, situated in the southern Gaza Strip.
United States President Joe Biden announced on Friday that Israel would be responsible for ensuring security for the temporary port planned to be constructed off the coast of Gaza City. This move comes as the Biden administration seeks to increase the flow of aid into the enclave amid the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict.
During his State of the Union address on Thursday evening, President Biden emphasized that the US military mission to establish the temporary port would not entail the deployment of American troops on the ground. However, senior administration officials, speaking to reporters before the speech, indicated that US military personnel would operate vessels along the shore without docking.
While Israeli officials have yet to confirm their role in securing the port, they welcomed Biden’s announcement regarding the establishment of the maritime corridor for aid distribution.
The Pentagon offered insights into the timeline for the temporary port project, estimating it to take “likely up to 60 days” for planning and execution. Additionally, the US aims to deliver 2 million meals daily to Gazans through this initiative. While approximately 1,000 US forces may be involved in the process, they will not be deployed ashore, as confirmed by Pentagon spokesperson Air Force Major General Patrick Ryder.
Ryder mentioned that the cost estimate for the project is not yet available. Furthermore, discussions are ongoing with non-governmental organizations (NGOs), aid groups, and the United Nations to determine the modalities for aid delivery.
