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Floating dock aid delivery starts but less viable than land routes, says OCHA
Trucks carrying humanitarian aid into Gaza have started moving ashore through the temporary floating dock built by the U.S. military, the US Central Command has announced - but this is not enough to meet the needs of civilians in Gaza, says the UN.
The United Nations Coordination Office for Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) has warned that the maritime corridor cannot replace important land routes, which are the quickest and most effective way of delivering humanitarian assistance.
“Any and all aid into Gaza is welcome by any route,” said Jens Laerke, OCHA spokesperson to reporters in Geneva. “But it is an addition, and it doesn't take away the fact that land crossings will be more important, he added”.
The floating dock was anchored to a beach in Gaza yesterday, Thursday 16 May. With most border crossings to the enclave closed or unsafe, the temporary floating dock will provide an additional path for aid entering the embattled enclave.
Mr. Laerke said UN agencies are finalizing their readiness plans for handling the aid once the floating dock is properly functioning, keeping in mind the need to ensure the safety of staff. “Community awareness and acceptance is paramount to ensure the safety and security of this operation”, he insisted. “We are grateful for the efforts of Cyprus, supported by other Member States, to sustain this maritime corridor as an additional route for aid to Gaza. However, getting aid to people in need into and across Gaza cannot and should not depend on a floating dock far from where needs are most acute. Land routes are the most viable, effective and efficient aid delivery method, which is why we need all crossing points to be opened."
Aid deliveries to the Gaza Strip have slowed down since the Israeli military took control of the Rafah crossing last week. About 2.2 million Palestinians desperately need food, shelter and other assistance.
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