“Protecting and saving innocent lives has to be a priority.”Biden said the temporary pier, announced before his address, would be able to “receive large ships carrying food, water, medicine and temporary shelters”.Biden, who is facing political pressure over his steadfast support for Israel despite the worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza, stressed “no US boots will be on the ground” as part of the project.US personnel would remain offshore while allies manage onshore operations from the port. The plan would also involve a maritime aid corridor from Cyprus.European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen is expected in the Mediterranean island on Friday for talks on the planned corridor.’Easier, faster’The United States, Israel’s strongest ally, carried out another airdrop of aid into Gaza on Thursday — its third in less than a week — along with aircraft from Jordan, Belgium, Egypt, France and the Netherlands.With road access for aid into Gaza stalled, the UN aid coordinator for the Palestinian territory, Sigrid Kaag, welcomed the airdrops but said land routes remained “the optimal solution”.
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