Hamas fires mortars at Israeli forces preparing to receive vital aid at the floating dock anchored off Gaza

HAMAS fired mortars at Israeli forces preparing to receive vital aid from a new floating pier anchored off Gaza.

A 72-by-270-foot platform is being prepared by the U.S. Army to transport supplies from Cyprus to the conflict-torn Palestinian territory after land routes were closed by fighting.

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Mortar shells exploded near Israeli troops protecting a loading area, which will be linked to the dock by a 1,000-meter bridge.

Royal Navy snipers have been called in to protect the pier as around 90 aid trucks prepare to land in Gaza.

US Pentagon spokesman Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder said work at the pier was not affected by Wednesday’s mortar attack.

General Ryder said: “We are aware of reports that a small number of mortars have fallen in the vicinity of the humanitarian assistance marshalling yard area, which will eventually be the delivery site that this dock will support.”

Joe Biden yesterday issued a warning that he will stop sending essential weapons to Israel if it launches a large-scale attack on Hamas’ last stronghold.

The US president said: “I have made it clear that if they go to Rafah I will not provide weapons.”

America is Israel’s most loyal and vital ally and why law provides the Jewish state with £3 billion in military aid every year – and has agreed to a further £11 billion since the 7 October attacks.

But Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s determination to eliminate Hamas’ godfathers and terrorists in their latest lair could trigger a bloodbath.

And Biden is threatening to withdraw arms supplies after being attacked by pro-Palestinian protesters in his country ahead of his November election battle with Donald Trump.

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