WASHINGTON (NEWSnet/AP) — United States expects to have arrangements in Gaza ready for humanitarian workers to begin delivering food and other urgent assistance by mid-May.

U.S. Military expects to complete a floating pier for the aid, according to an official with Agency for International Development.

But aid coming through the new U.S.-led maritime route still will serve only a fraction, about 500,000 people, of those who need help in Gaza, the official emphasized.

U.S. Central Command said Friday the offshore assembly of the floating pier has been paused temporarily due to high wind and sea swell that could cause unsafe conditions for soldiers. The partially built pier and military vessels involved have gone to Port of Ashdod and will continue work there.

A U.S. official said the high seas could delay installation possibly until late next week. The official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the pause could last longer if the bad weather continues.

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