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Temporary humanitarian aid causeway to Gaza completed, anchored into beach, becomes operational

Fort Eustis-based U.S. Army 7th Transportation Brigade soldiers played a key role in its construction.

WASHINGTON — Relief is now one big step closer to reality.

After weeks of preparation, security planning, and weather delays, the U.S. military finished installing a floating causeway to the beach in Gaza on Thursday.

In a news release, U.S. Central Command emphasized that "no U.S. troops entered Gaza."

The Joint Logistics, Over-the-Shore (JLOTS) humanitarian aid corridor is now in place and will begin funneling "hundreds of tons" of supplies to civilians in the region "in the coming days."

RELATED: Gaza has a new path to get badly-needed aid: A floating pier built in months by U.S. forces

On Friday, U.S. Central Command announced, "trucks carrying humanitarian assistance began moving ashore via a temporary pier in Gaza."

"The purpose of this temporary pier is to deliver critical humanitarian assistance to the Palestinian people," said Department of Defense Deputy Press Secretary Sabrina Singh, during a news conference at the Pentagon on Thursday.

The plan is to get aid to Gaza's 2.2 million people, following seven months of intense fighting in the Israel-Hamas war. President Joe Biden ordered the Defense Department to deploy the JLOTS capability back in March. 

Soldiers from the Fort Eustis-based 7th Transportation Brigade answered the call. The Pentagon says about 1,000 U.S. soldiers and sailors were instrumental in delivering and building the structure.

RELATED: Langley-Eustis troops building 'humanitarian assistance corridor' for urgently needed aid to Gaza

Security remains a top concern.

"This is a mission to get humanitarian aid into Gaza and an attack on those dedicated to this mission would jeopardize the life-saving aid needed for the Palestinian people," said Singh.

There are two U.S. Navy warships nearby in the eastern Mediterranean Sea. The guided-missile destroyers USS Arleigh Burke and USS Paul Ignatius are equipped with a wide range of weapons to protect American troops offshore and allies on the beach.

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