The Pentagon confirmed on Thursday that US troops have begun constructing a maritime pier off the coast of Gaza.
The pier, which aims to speed the flow of humanitarian aid into the territory, is expected to become operational by early next month.
However, security concerns and how the aid would be distributed continue to hinder the complex plan to provide Palestinian civilians with more food.
Pentagon spokesperson Maj Gen Patrick Ryder has confirmed that US military vessels and the USNS Benavidez have started the initial stages of the temporary pier and causeway at sea.
About 1,000 US troops would support the military operation, mainly in coordination cells in Israel and Cyprus. The US president, Joe Biden, has ordered troops to avoid entering Gaza. A third party will drive trucks onto the beach down the pier.
On Thursday, reports of a mortar bombardment near the area where the pier will eventually touch the ground heightened concerns about the possibility of US forces being involved in the fighting.
However, a UN team examining the location was forced to seek refuge.
The Israeli military claimed it would provide security and logistical support to the pier. It also said that an Israeli military brigade, consisting of thousands of soldiers, would protect US Marines, setting the pier alongside Israeli Navy ships and the Israeli air force.
According to a senior US military officer, the US will use the new port and pier to transport relief by early May.
The official said that the delivery through the maritime route would start at nearly 90 trucks a day and could quickly increase to about 150 trucks daily.
Furthermore, a UN official said the port would likely have three zones: an Israeli-controlled area where aid is dropped off from the pier, a transfer area, and a third area where UN-hired Palestinian drivers wait to pick up the assistance before delivering it to distribution points.
