Defense Secretary: US Troops Establishing Pier off Gaza May Encounter Gunfire

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has acknowledged that US troops setting up a floating pier off the coast of Gaza might be targeted by gunfire, and they have the right to defend themselves. The pier, designed to facilitate humanitarian aid to civilians in Gaza, is being constructed by around 1,000 American service members.

While the Israeli military will provide security on and around the pier, Austin conceded that the possibility of being shot at from the shore exists. When asked by Rep. Matt Gaetz if US service members could return fire if attacked, Austin confirmed they have the right to protect themselves.

The floating pier, known as the Joint Logistics Over-the-Shore (JLOTS), is a $320 million project aimed at addressing the severe lack of food and medical supplies in Gaza.

US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin (Credits: CNN)

The United Nations and humanitarian organizations have warned of a famine in the region, where over 34,000 Palestinians have died in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas. The pier, expected to be operational by early May, will initially support 90 daily truckloads of humanitarian aid into Gaza.

The construction of the pier is a critical step in addressing the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. The US government and its partners are working to aid civilians in the region, and the pier will play a vital role in facilitating this effort. While risks are involved, the US military is taking necessary precautions to ensure its service members’ safety and the mission’s success.

US defense secretary Lloyd Austin (Credits: The Economic Times)

Austin’s comments highlight the challenges and risks involved in this operation. However, the US government is committed to providing humanitarian aid to those in need, and constructing the pier is a crucial step in this effort. The situation in Gaza is dire, and the US and its partners are working to address the humanitarian crisis in the region.