But “the U.S. construction is a serious step bringing in a coordinated action which was long overdue, but now at least is happening,” he added.
“This time most — if not all — of the actors seem to be in principle cooperating on this. So the chances of it materializing are much higher,” Tzimitras said. “Israel realized that it cannot push it back any longer, because the international public opinion is alerted to the Gaza catastrophe,” he said.
Pentagon spokesperson Patrick Ryder said on Friday that constructing temporary pier may require up to 60 days and the contribution of more than 1,000 American troops.
“While temporary solutions often tend to last longer than anticipated, the current U.S. proposal is not likely to be a long-term solution to Palestinian needs,” said Nimrod Goren, co-founder of Diplomeds, the Council for Mediterranean Diplomacy, but added that it provides an opportunity to revisit existing plans and alternatives for a Gaza seaport.
“Biden’s statement provides some cause for optimism that once the dust settles, the war ends, and domestic political transitions take place in both Israel and the Palestinian Authority, concepts of peace, regional cooperation, intra-regional connectivity, and mutual economic benefit may once again take center stage,” Goren said.
