A United Nations team touring a site in Gaza designated for a new pier to receive humanitarian aid supplies was forced to take cover on Wednesday when the area came under fire, according to UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric.
The team had to shelter in a bunker “for some time” after two rounds landed around 100 meters away from where they were inspecting preparations for constructing the temporary pier and causeway. Fortunately, no injuries occurred, and the UN personnel were eventually able to complete their visit.
The incident highlights the precarious security situation in the Gaza Strip amid an escalating Israeli military campaign against Palestinian militant groups like Hamas. Over six months of heavy bombardment and ground operations have devastated Gaza’s civilian infrastructure, creating an urgent need for increased aid deliveries.
In response, the U.S. military has begun preliminary construction work at sea on the planned pier, which the Pentagon says should become operational by early May to facilitate the flow of essential humanitarian supplies. “Everything is on course at this point,” stated Pentagon spokesperson Major General Pat Ryder.
Human rights monitors have criticized the intensity of Israel’s Gaza assault, arguing it has violated principles of proportionality and put civilian lives at undue risk. The quarter-million Palestinians residing in the narrow coastal territory have few avenues to escape the tumultuous conflict zone.
