WFP possessed 97 aid trucks since floating Gaza pier became operational: UN

By Diyar Guldogan

WASHINGTON (AA) - The World Food Program (WFP) took possession of 97 trucks since the floating pier off Gaza coast that will deliver humanitarian aid became operational on May 17, a UN official said on Friday.

"We did not lose any trucks and that was in the first two days. I think the operation is very much stabilized," said spokesman Stephane Dujarric during his briefing.

The UN food agency has found "various routes" to get to its warehouse in Deir al-Balah in the central Gaza Strip, Dujarric said.

The UN has resumed aid delivery via the US-built pier after it was halted for two-days due crowds of needy people intercepting trucks, which paved the way for the discussion of new routes for the delivery.

Dujarric said the WFP notifies its partners, including some UN and international NGOs, that the goods can be taken from the warehouse.

"Some of those goods have also been shared with large feeding kitchens. But it has been working, I think, after a rocky start," he added.

US Central Command (CENTOM) commander, Vice Adm. Brad Cooper said on Thursday since commencement of operations, 820 metric tons of aid have been delivered by CENTCOM forces from the sea to the beach transfer point, also called the marshalling yard.

"In terms of distribution, 506 metric tons of aid have been distributed from the beach transfer point to the people of Gaza by the United Nations as of last night (Wednesday)," Cooper told the reporters, adding three US troops have suffered noncombat injuries in the pier mission.

The Pentagon announced on March 8 that it would undertake an emergency mission to establish the pier to deliver up to 2 million meals per day.

The mission included a floating pier -- an 1,800-foot-long causeway – that would be attached to the shore and a group of logistic support vessels.

Israel has continued its brutal offensive on the Gaza Strip despite a UN Security Council resolution demanding an immediate cease-fire in the enclave.