First shipment of UK aid has been delivered to Gaza via the new US pier

“More aid will follow in the coming weeks, but we know the maritime route is not the only answer. We need to see more land routes open, including via the Rafah crossing, to ensure much aid gets to civilians in desperate need of help.”

The Joint Logistics Over the Shore (JLOTS) pier was built by the US Navy and Army and was anchored to the shore on May 16. It is expected to initially facilitate the delivery of 90 truckloads of international aid into Gaza each day, reaching up to 150 truckloads once fully operational.

Foreign Secretary Lord David Cameron hailed the shipment as a “major milestone” in the international community’s efforts to maximise aid going into Gaza, with the UK playing “a central role” in the effort. Lord Cameron stressed the importance however of Israel ensuring land routes are open and that aid gets safely to where it is needed.

Defence Secretary Grant Shapps said the newly operational pier will enable “truckloads” of humanitarian aid to reach Palestinians in need. He said the UK is supporting “logistics coordination in Cyprus, deploying RFA Cardigan Bay to help US personnel constructing and operating the pier,”

Shapps added that they expect the first shipment of provisions to feed 11,000 people for a month.

The UK has committed £9.7 million to support the project and is also providing accommodation on board RFA Cardigan Bay for US military personnel constructing and operating the pier.