Amid escalating tensions in the Gaza Strip, the United States has commenced the construction of a temporary port on the coast of Rafah, the last Palestinian refuge in the region. This move comes ahead of a potential large-scale Israeli offensive, with plans to dispatch humanitarian aid from the port as early as May.

Despite diplomatic pleas from the US urging Israel to refrain from launching an operation in Rafah, preparations for what could be the most significant military action in seven months are already underway. Speculation suggests the offensive may commence in early May, raising concerns of a humanitarian crisis in the densely populated area, which has become a refuge for a large number of displaced Palestinians.

Recognizing the urgent need for humanitarian assistance, the US military has initiated the construction of a temporary port along the Gaza coast. President Biden announced this initiative in March, emphasizing that no US troops would set foot on Gaza soil as part of this effort.

However, questions remain about the efficacy of the temporary port in facilitating aid delivery to Gaza's 2.3 million inhabitants, particularly given Israel's reluctance to cooperate with American initiatives in the region. An anonymous US official disclosed to Reuters that any aid dispatched to the temporary port would require approval from Israeli checkpoints, underscoring Israel's desire to maintain control over the aid distribution process and prevent resources from reaching Hamas militants.

The construction of the temporary port is proceeding rapidly, with initial estimates suggesting that it will be capable of accommodating up to 90 trucks in its first phase. Once fully operational, the port is expected to handle 150 trucks, pending approval from Israeli authorities. However, the speed and efficiency of aid distribution will largely depend on Israeli security checkpoints and logistical support.

In response to security concerns, the Israeli army has pledged to provide protection and logistical assistance for operations at the temporary port. A dedicated brigade of several thousand soldiers has been deployed to safeguard the area, emphasizing the importance of ensuring the safety of US personnel involved in the humanitarian mission.

The commencement of construction on the temporary port was not without incident, as reports emerged of a mortar attack near the construction site on Wednesday. Despite these challenges, the US remains committed to providing much-needed humanitarian aid to the people of Gaza in the face of escalating tensions and the looming threat of conflict.