The pier built by the U.S. military to provide aid to Gaza has been removed due to weather concerns, and the U.S. is weighing the option of not reinstalling it unless aid distribution improves.
The pier built by the U.S. military to facilitate aid delivery to Gaza has encountered setbacks, prompting the U.S. to consider not reinstalling it unless distribution issues are resolved.
While the military has assisted in transporting food through the pier, the vast majority remains stored in an adjacent yard, which is nearing capacity. Aid agencies have faced difficulty in distributing the food to areas of Gaza where it is most needed due to attacks on humanitarian convoys.
U.S. Considers Removing Pier to Gaza Amid Aid Distribution Challenges
The United Nations, which has a broad reach in providing aid to Gaza, has halted food and emergency supply distribution via the pier since June 9th. This pause occurred after the Israeli military utilized an area near the pier to evacuate hostages after a raid that resulted in the deaths of over 270 Palestinians. The U.N. conducted a security review to address concerns over the safety and neutrality of aid workers.
Steve Taravella, spokesperson for the U.N. World Food Program, stated that the U.N.'s participation in the pier project remains suspended until security concerns are resolved.
U.S. Considers Removing Pier to Gaza Amid Aid Distribution Challenges
President Biden's $230 million project, intended to be temporary and not a comprehensive solution for aid delivery, has faced criticism from relief groups and congressional Republicans, who view it as a costly distraction.
Despite delivering over 8.6 million kilograms of food to Gaza, operations have been hampered by aid pauses and unpredictable weather. Rough seas damaged the pier shortly after its initial operation, forcing the military to remove it for repairs before reinstalling it. Severe weather on Friday necessitated its removal again, and it was taken to the Israeli port at Ashdod.
Several U.S. officials, speaking anonymously, indicated that the pier could be reinstalled once the weather improves. However, the final decision remains pending.
Sabrina Singh, a Pentagon spokesperson, acknowledged the uncertainty of the pier's reinstallation timeline. She emphasized the need for additional aid to be transported to Cyprus and then to the pier. She also highlighted the near-full capacity of the onshore secure area.
Singh stated that the U.S. is holding discussions with aid agencies regarding food distribution. However, she noted, "If there's not enough room in the marshalling yard, then it doesn't make sense to put our men or women out there when there's nothing to do."
The challenges in delivering aid to Gaza exacerbate the widespread hunger among Palestinians. The conflict between Israel and Hamas, Israeli restrictions on border crossings, and attacks on aid convoys have severely limited the flow of essential supplies.
