A U.S. service member is in critical condition after sustaining a non-combat injury while supporting humanitarian aid to Gaza. The injured service member was aboard USNS Benavidez (T-AKR 306) during a mission to provide aid to the people of Gaza. Two other U.S. service members sustained minor injuries, with one suffering a sprained ankle. The injured service member was transported to a medical facility and is in critical condition. The incident occurred last Thursday, and more information will be provided as it becomes available.
Following the injuries sustained by the U.S. service members in Gaza, a temporary pier was anchored to a Gaza beach to facilitate aid deliveries to the besieged coastal enclave. The pier was established amid growing pressure on Israel to allow more supplies into Gaza, where a famine looms. Operations began on Friday, with 10 aid trucks driven to a World Food Programme warehouse in Deir El Balah in Gaza. However, only five trucks were able to reach the warehouse due to interception by crowds along the way.
The intercepted trucks were stopped by desperate crowds who feared they would never see aid and resorted to self-distribution of the supplies. As a result, distribution was halted, and the U.N. was forced to plan new routes and coordination of deliveries to prevent further interception of aid. A U.N. spokesperson in New York highlighted the challenges faced during the aid delivery process, including the need for ensuring access to areas that have not received aid and managing the desperation of the affected population.
The situation in Gaza has been further complicated by Israel’s increased military operations in Rafah, which has led to the displacement of 900,000 people. The disruption of aid access into southern Gaza has added to the challenges faced by humanitarian organizations trying to deliver assistance to those in need. The U.N. has been working to overcome the obstacles in delivering aid to Gaza and prevent further interception of supplies by coordinating new routes and ensuring better distribution methods.
The injuries sustained by the U.S. service members in Gaza have raised concerns about the safety and security of humanitarian missions in the region. Vice Admiral Brad Cooper confirmed the injuries, describing them as routine injuries with one service member in critical condition and two with minor injuries. As the injured service member remains in critical condition, efforts are underway to provide updates on their condition and ensure proper medical care. The incident highlights the risks faced by service members supporting humanitarian missions in conflict zones like Gaza.
