STATE OF THE UNION TALKING POINTS: GAZA PORT, BIDEN HOT MIC


By bblouin
Boats in Gaza port.

For decades, the creation of a Gaza port and the actions taking place at the current one have been controversial. Throughout the Gaza Strip, you’ll find plenty of beaches and access to the Mediterranean Sea. However, the politics that surround the area make it difficult to fully realize a plan. Now, as the war between Israel and Hamas continues, the United States has a plan to create a temporary port off of the coast of the Gaza Strip. This will help provide residents with supplies. Suggested read: Record Number of Student Veterans Requesting Mental Health Services

Does Gaza Have a Port?

The idea for the Gaza Seaport has been around since 1993, according to the Oslo I Accord. While a Gaza port does exist, the recent fighting and naval blockade is complicating things. Israel began controlling the coast of Gaza and its waters in 1967. Ships accessing Gaza have to go through the Israeli government, effectively cutting it off from the Mediterranean Sea. A construction project was to start in 1999 but was delayed until 2000. This wouldn’t have been much of a problem; however, supply chain issues halted the project. Months later, Israeli troops would destroy the work on the port during the Second Intifada. Once Israel left Gaza, the Agreement on Movement and Access (AMA) in 2005, would inspire another attempt. Although Israel didn't directly interfere with the port, the construction never came to completion.

President Biden’s Plan for Port and Aid to Palestinians

Getting aid to Palestinians has become increasingly the focus of national headlines. An effort many are critical of Israel for allowing to happen using the Karem Abu Salem crossing, and the Rafah crossing with Egypt. Things got even worse after more than 100 civilians were killed among hundreds more who were injured after reports of Israeli troops shooting Palestinians who were lined up for food trucks. Now, the United States even seems to be growing in frustration and is planning to do something about getting aid to civilians below. President Joe Biden announced during the State of the Union address on March 7, 2024, the building of a temporary Gaza port off the strip’s coastline. The United States is going to set up an emergency military mission to create a pier so that ships can gather food and supplies. However, Biden was adamant that no boots would be on the ground during the operation. This comes right after the U.S. military provided an airdrop featuring tens of thousands of meals to the Gaza Strip and as Biden was caught on a hot mic expressing frustration at the lack of a ceasefire: “I told him, Bibi, and don’t repeat this, but you and I are going to have a ‘come to Jesus’ meeting,” said President Biden. Bibi is the nickname of Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu. The execution of the plan is still weeks away at best and will require collaboration from Israeli troops. In the meantime, aid in collaboration with Cyprus and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) should reach the area much sooner. Related read: C 130 Cargo Plane Airdrops Thousands of Meals Into Gaza

Criticism of U.S. Gaza Port Plans

While the plans to create a port in Gaza are great in terms of delivering aid, not everyone is buying the move. Critics believe the idea isn’t innovative and a distraction from Israeli actions. In addition to creating a port, critics are calling out the fact that land access is still the quickest way to help people. The plan is especially controversial as large amounts of aid are being blocked from Gaza at the border it shares with Egypt. Critics of the war remain committed to the idea that Israel is committing genocide. They believe the American efforts are also a distraction from these actions and U.S. involvement. Stateside, criticism remains relatively tempered. However, all eyes are on The Pentagon and Washington D.C. to see if the President keeps his word and keeps the American Armed Forces from fighting down below. However, the Gaza port may help suffering people and even create additional pressure for a ceasefire sooner rather than later. Read next: 4 Months After Cardiac Arrest Gen. Eric Smith Returns to Work


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