On May 17, 2024, the first shipments of aid were delivered to Gaza via a newly constructed floating pier by the U.S. military, marking the first maritime entry of supplies in two months. The facility was implemented off the coast after being anchored on May 16. The operation is not a substitute for crucial land routes and faces logistical and security challenges. This delivery included essentials such as food bars for 11,000 people and therapeutic food for 7,200 malnourished children, orchestrated by various international organizations, including the U.N. and the U.S. Agency for International Development.

Gaza’s humanitarian situation has been dire, with the region facing immense devastation from a seven-month-long conflict. The number of aid trucks via land has drastically reduced from pre-war figures of 500 daily to a severe shortfall. The conflict has also led to a mass displacement of over 630,000 people from Rafah, moving many to urban centers like Deir al Balah.

The Mediterranean blockade highlights the tension between facilitating aid and ensuring security, with Israel controlling the flow of goods into Gaza, claiming necessity for security reasons. These efforts come amid mounting international pressure, including from the U.S., to ease restrictions for humanitarian reasons. The situation remains volatile, with security concerns arising from previous attacks that halted efforts from organizations like World Central Kitchen.

Simultaneously, Israel’s military operations continue, including recent advances into northern Gaza’s Jabalya and the southern city of Rafah. The International Court of Justice in The Hague has been petitioned by South Africa alleging genocide by Israel, with ongoing legal disputes about the actions taken during the conflict.

Efforts to provide aid, though commendable, are shadowed by an increasingly complex landscape of military operations, legal interventions, and geopolitical maneuvering. The continuation of these humanitarian efforts is crucial amid ongoing discussions and actions at international courts and diplomatic platforms.