Criticism from Semler, Founder of Security Policy Reform Institute
Stephen Semler, co-founder of the Institute for Security Policy Reform, criticized US President Joe Biden’s use of the Pentagon’s floating temporary port system, saying, “I’m disappointed.” Semler said the temporary port failed to fulfill its original purpose of delivering humanitarian supplies to the people of Gaza, and described the project as a complete “failure.”
Semler argued that the Biden administration was using the port project to divert attention when it could have pressured Israel to allow much more aid to cross the border by land, and that the temporary port was just a “theater.”
Israel’s Siege of Gaza
American expert Semler drew attention to the humanitarian crisis in the region following the attack carried out by Hamas on October 7, 2023, with Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant’s promise to completely surround Gaza. Semler stated that Israel was entirely responsible for cutting off food, water and electricity to Gaza. He also argued that Israel’s claims that “some gangs and subversives targeted aid vehicles” were false.
Humanitarian Aid Conditions and Criticism
Semler drew attention to the fact that the Pentagon had unloaded the aid supplies coming to the Greek Cypriot Administration of Southern Cyprus to Gaza via a floating port, and that the supplies waiting in the open air had deteriorated. He emphasized that the organizations responsible for delivering the humanitarian aid from the storage area on the Gaza coast to those in need who were working under difficult conditions.
Semler stated that it was unfair to blame humanitarian aid organizations for the weapons aid and bombardments carried out by the US army. He also stated that the Pentagon was trying to create the perception that it was delivering humanitarian aid and that the Biden administration was distracting the public with the port project instead of forcing Israel to agree to a ceasefire.
| Semler’s Statements |
|---|
| “Humanitarian theatre” |
| “They don’t care what happens after the relief supplies are brought to shore via the floating port.” |
