US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said on Tuesday that “it is possible that American forces establishing a floating dock off the coast of Gaza could be fired upon,” stressing that “these forces have the right to return fire.”
According to the Hill newspaper, Austin said in a speech in the House of Representatives: “Normally, all deployed service members carry weapons, and they have the ability to protect themselves if they are challenged.”
Up to 1,000 personnel are helping to establish a floating dock in the Mediterranean Sea off the coast of Gaza.
Austin has repeatedly emphasized that the Israeli army will provide protection for the American force on and around the pier.
But when Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.) asked him about the possibility that someone from the ground would shoot at US service members on the sidewalk, Austin replied: “It is possible. Yes, they have the right to return fire to protect themselves.”
US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken said on Tuesday that the sea dock to transport aid to Gaza will be ready within a week from now.
The US Army Central Command wrote in a post on its “X” account: “The naval pier will support efforts aimed at delivering aid to civilians in the Gaza Strip.”
The Pentagon said on Monday that the cost of building the pier will not be less than $320 million.
According to a US Army official, the total number of deliveries via the sea route will initially be about 90 trucks per day, and could quickly increase to about 150 trucks per day.
