Despite initial pledges, the US military has ceased operations of the Gaza Strip floating pier, citing difficulties in distributing humanitarian aid. The pier project, which cost approximately $230 million, faced criticism from lawmakers who questioned its effectiveness and safety.
The Gaza pier project, once touted as a temporary solution to delivering aid to the besieged territory, has been shut down by the US military. The decision to close the pier came after facing distribution challenges and escalating security concerns in the region.
Biden's Gaza Pier Project Ends as Distribution Challenges Persist
President Biden pledged to establish the pier during his State of the Union speech in March to increase humanitarian aid delivery, as millions remained displaced amid Israel's ongoing hunt for Hamas.
Despite the project's completion in May, deployment faced difficulties. The pier's estimated cost of $230 million drew criticism from congressional members, with Senator Roger Wicker calling it a "dangerous effort with marginal benefit."
Biden's Gaza Pier Project Ends as Distribution Challenges Persist
In an interview, Representative Michael Waltz expressed concerns about the project's unnecessary risks to personnel, financial burden, and diversion of assets.
The UN halted distribution from the pier in June due to security concerns. Deputy Commander of U.S. Central Command Vice Admiral Brad Cooper cited insecurity and lawlessness within Gaza as obstacles to aid distribution.
Biden's Gaza Pier Project Ends as Distribution Challenges Persist
Sonali Korde, USAID's Assistant to the Administrator for Humanitarian Assistance, emphasized the challenges posed by the insecure environment.
Amid these challenges, the pier project appears to have reached a dead end. Humanitarian aid will now be delivered through a maritime corridor in Cyprus to Ashdod, a civilian-run operation.
Biden's Gaza Pier Project Ends as Distribution Challenges Persist
Cooper explained the success of the new delivery pathway, stating that over 1 million pounds of aid have been successfully delivered into Gaza in recent weeks. Israel has been supportive of this effort.
Despite the pier's closure, the Biden administration maintains that the project was successful. Deputy State Spox Vedant Patel claimed that the pier's existence impacted aid delivery to northern Gaza, ultimately delivering millions of pounds of aid.
However, Patel acknowledged that the situation in Gaza remains unresolved.
