US, allies consider using commercial maritime route for delivering aid to Gaza

A Palestinian child carries away items salvaged from the rubble of the Abu Anza family home destroyed in an overnight Israeli air strike in Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip on March 3, 2024, as the conflict between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas continues. (Photo by SAID KHATIB / AFP)

Three individuals familiar with the planning and a US official suggest that the US might encourage partners and allies to finance a privately managed operation for delivering aid to Gaza by sea prior to a more extensive US military involvement.

While the US maintains its military focus, the proposed commercial endeavor could offer crucial additional aid to the region.

By capitalizing on private investments and international backing, this strategy may present a faster and more efficient means of delivering relief to Gaza compared to the military’s projected timeline.

As the humanitarian needs escalate, the collaboration among the US government, its allies, and private sectors underscores a multifaceted approach to mitigating the crisis in Gaza.

Ongoing discussions and preparations indicate a proactive stance towards the dire circumstances on the ground, with considerations for launching a commercial maritime operation to provide aid.

With the approaching days being of paramount importance, concerted efforts are being made to avert a potential famine and extend vital assistance to the populace of Gaza.

According to two sources, the project is expected to enable the delivery of approximately 200 truck-load equivalent containers of aid to Gaza per day. This amount falls short of the 500 truck-loads of aid that used to be delivered daily to the territory prior to the commencement of the conflict..