- The Pentagon confirms the start of construction of a temporary port off the coast of the Gaza Strip
- The area of the temporary port was shelled with mortars
The Pentagon confirms the start of construction of a temporary port off the coast of the Gaza Strip
The US military has begun helping to build a temporary port off the coast of the Gaza Strip to allow more aid supplies to be delivered.
Pentagon spokesman Pat Ryder told reporters that US ships are involved, adding that "realistically," the port should be ready "in early May. In the meantime, he pointed out that cooperation with the international community to deliver aid supplies to Gaza via other routes is continuing.
The US government announced in early March that, in view of the critical humanitarian situation in Gaza, the US military would help set up a temporary port through which food, water, and medicine could be brought.
The area of the temporary port was shelled with mortars
According to Israeli reports, unknown assailants fired mortars at the temporary port area during a visit by United Nations (UN) personnel. Palestinian militants are suspected of being behind the incident.
P. Ryder referred to reports that several shells had been fired, but pointed out that this did not affect the construction plans and occurred before the US troops had started work.
P. Ryder reiterated clearly that there are no plans for US forces to enter the Gaza Strip itself.
Based on ELTA reports
