The United States has announced that American forces will not be involved in the direct delivery of aid ashore in Gaza. Instead, an undisclosed “third party” will oversee the transportation of aid trucks along a floating causeway onto the beach.
Reports suggest that the United Kingdom is considering deploying British troops for this task once the aid corridor opens next month. However, no final decision has been made, and the matter has yet to be presented to the Prime Minister.
Both the Ministry of Defence (MoD) and the Israeli army have declined to comment on these developments.
The UK has been actively engaged in planning the sea-based aid operation. Defence Secretary Grant Shapps reaffirmed the UK’s commitment to playing a leading role in coordinating support efforts with the US and other international partners.
The proposed involvement of British forces, often referred to as “wet boots” by military planners, would entail driving trucks off landing craft onto the temporary causeway, facilitating the delivery of aid to a secure distribution area onshore.
While measures will be taken to ensure the safety of allied forces both at sea and on land, British troops could potentially face heightened risks from groups such as Hamas.
Recent events underscore the dangers involved. On Wednesday, a United Nations team had to seek shelter when mortar shells struck near the planned distribution zone.
Meanwhile, US defence officials have confirmed the deployment of an American army ship in the eastern Mediterranean to construct a substantial floating pier. Aid shipments from Cyprus will be transferred onto this pier before being loaded onto trucks and smaller landing craft.
The aim of this maritime corridor, known as the Joint Logistics Over-the-Shore (JLOTS) operation, is to supplement existing land-based aid deliveries, which are currently insufficient to meet the growing needs of Gaza. On average, only around 220 aid trucks per day are reaching Gaza via land routes.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have pledged to provide security and logistical support for the JLOTS initiative, including anchoring the floating causeway to the beach. Joint exercises with American forces have been conducted along the Israeli coast to prepare for this task.
In a briefing with journalists, a senior US military official emphasized that no American troops would be deployed on the ground. Instead, personnel from a “significant partner” nation will handle the transportation of aid trucks ashore. The official clarified that this partner is a nation-state, not a private military company.