Pinhas Inbari, Jerusalem Center for Public Affairs, Mar. 18, 2024
Qatar’s inclusion would mean a foothold for Turkey, which has coveted Gaza since the ill-starred naval convoy of the Mavi Marmara, as a means to control the eastern basin of the Mediterranean. The Emirates would reject that out of hand because they are allies, along with Israel, of Greece and Cyprus.”
It is hard to exaggerate the importance of the initiative to build the Gaza port. Despite its modest beginning (for now, it will be a floating pier in northern Gaza), it could develop into a real port that would rid Israel once and for all of the burden of the “blockade.” In the long term, it could grant the Gazans freedom of movement and open commercial and economic horizons for them.
According to a U.S. Defense Department briefing, the project will consist of:
A floating pier, an approximately 1,800-foot-long causeway attached to the shore, and a group of logistic support vessels and barges that will transport the aid from the pier to the causeway. Once the aid has reached the two-lane causeway, it can be transported to the land and distributed to Gaza.1
In the present context, the American port will be funded by the Emirates for humanitarian aid only. Once constructed, the port could be a first step toward eliminating UNRWA’s aid function and bypassing Hamas’ obstructions and the Palestinian Authority’s sovereignty in Gaza. If the situation continues, the port may herald the return to Gaza of countries such as Saudi Arabia, which left it because of Qatar’s deep involvement in its affairs.
That is a big question—whether Qatar will be included in the port construction or whether it will be solely an Emirati project. Palestinian Muhammad Dahlan will be in charge of the undertaking if it remains in the Emirates’ hands. However, if Qatar plays a role, that is not certain, even though Dahlan has already visited Doha in preparation and met with the Hamas leaders there. We do not know what was agreed upon.
Meanwhile, a Ship-Borne Emergency Supply Operation Began
Meanwhile, without waiting for the 60-day construction of the American pier, international aid agencies, with Israeli assistance, constructed a small jetty to deliver the first shipment of 200 tons of food from Cyprus. The American World Central Kitchen NGO built the jetty, with Israeli troops securing the coastline. Twelve trucks distributed the supplies in northern Gaza. More aid from Cyprus is en route.
The International Scramble to Build a Permanent Port
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