The Pentagon is seeking to meet the 'staggering need' of Gazans facing severe food and medicine shortages because of the Israel-Hamas war.

"There will be a handoff on the pier itself since U.S. personnel will not enter Gaza. The United States is working to ensure the fair and safe distribution of supplies. However, Hamas controls the people and much of the territory, which will likely allow them to divert some of the supplies," Cancian said.

U.S. officials say a six--day-old U.S. pier project in Gaza is starting to get more aid to Palestinians in need but conditions are challenging.