The US military has begun building a temporary pier off the coast of Gaza to deliver food and other relief supplies by sea.

With a population of about 2.2 million, the Gaza Strip has been grappling with a serious humanitarian crisis amid continued fighting between Israel and the Islamic group Hamas.

A senior US government official said on Thursday that over half of the population in northern Gaza is facing catastrophic levels of food insecurity. The official added that nearly 30 percent of children there are showing signs of severe malnutrition.

US Defense Department Press Secretary Patrick Ryder told reporters on Thursday that US military vessels have begun building the temporary pier.

A senior US military officer said, "We are on track to begin delivery of humanitarian assistance to Gaza from the sea in early May."

The US military earlier said that once the pier becomes fully operational, over 2 million meals will be delivered to Gaza per day.

In the United States, criticism has been growing against the administration of President Joe Biden for supporting Israel. Student protests opposing the Israeli offensive in Gaza have continued across the country.

The latest move by the military is seen as a way for the Biden administration to demonstrate its commitment to addressing the humanitarian situation in Gaza.