U.S.-built Port Could Turn Israel Into a Gaza Policing Force

The World Central Kitchen ship Open Arms reached Larnaca Port in Cyprus three weeks ago. If it has not yet set out for Gaza, it is supposed to do so in the next few hours, thus inaugurating the maritime humanitarian route that may change the way aid is transferred to the Gaza Strip.

The ship, loaded with more than 200 tons of flour, rice, tuna cans and other products, has already been inspected by Israeli officials who came to Larnaca to ensure it does not carry military equipment, weapons or materials that may be used for military purposes.

It is still unclear how its cargo will be unloaded and distributed, since the construction of the temporary American pier may take another two months; the intention is to begin by unloading the ship's cargo onto barges and small boats capable of mooring on the beach itself.