White House officials say a floating pier in central Gaza made by the US is being used to offload humanitarian aid arriving by ship. White House National Security Communications Advisor John Kirby confirmed the details on Friday in a news conference.
US President Joe Biden had ordered the creation of the pier to provide a pathway for aid. Kirby said that once the supplies reach Gaza, they will be distributed by the United Nations to people in need.
About 1,000 US soldiers are involved in the operation, although none of them have entered Gaza. They are aiming to supply about 90 truckloads per day at first and, soon, scale that up to 150.
However, UN officials say at least 500 trucks are needed each day.
The spokesperson for the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs said he welcomes "any and all aid." However, Jens Laerke added that the pier is not enough. He said land routes are "the most viable, effective and efficient" aid delivery method, and all crossing points need to be opened.
Aid workers say land access is the best way to stave off famine, but they add that nothing has come through Rafah crossing since about two weeks ago, when Israeli forces began their offensive in the area.
They also say very little is getting in through another crossing at Kerem Shalom, even though the Israelis say they have allowed fuel supplies in.