The newly built floating dock provides Gaza with another channel for aid, but land routes remain the most viable and effective method for delivering essential supplies, said the spokesman for the International Committee of Red Cross (ICRC) on Thursday.

Officials announced Thursday the successful anchoring of the pier, which was constructed by the U.S. military in cooperation with Israeli authorities.

The pier was installed after several land crossings for aid remained close since Israel took control of the southernmost Rafah area and intensified strikes on Gaza.

"Efforts to create a sea corridor will help mitigate the severity of the conflict on people. However, it isn't a substitute for the land transportation, the most efficient and reliable way. It is the approach adopted by the International Red Cross to get relief supplies and personnel into the Gaza Strip," said Hisham Muhanna, spokesman of the ICRC.

Israeli forces continue their battles in Jabalia in northern Gaza. In the south, Hamas is fighting Israeli tanks massing around Rafah.

With Gazans constantly on the move seeking shelter, the humanitarian crisis is intensifying amidst the ongoing bombardment.

Farhan Haq, the deputy spokesman for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, said on Saturday that getting aid into Gaza should not depend on a floating dock far from where needs are most acute.

He reiterated that land routes are the most viable, effective and efficient aid delivery method, which is why all crossing points should be opened.

SHOTLIST:

Gaza Strip - May 16, 2024
1. Various of coastal scene, vessels;
2. SOUNDBITE (Arabic) Hisham Muhanna, spokesman, International Committee of Red Cross:
"Efforts to create a sea corridor will help mitigate the severity of the conflict on people. However, it isn't a substitute for the land transportation, the most efficient and reliable way. It is the approach adopted by the International Red Cross to get relief supplies and personnel into the Gaza Strip.";
3. ICRC badge;
4. Cityscape;
5. Various of coastal scene, displaced Palestinians.

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