The U.S. military announced that it would be temporarily moving a pier built off the coast of Gaza to deliver aid to the war-torn enclave to keep it safe from expected rough seas. The decision to relocate the pier was deemed necessary to ensure aid delivery could continue in the future. The pier will be towed to Israel and then re-anchored off the coast of Gaza once the turbulent weather passes. This move is the latest setback in U.S. efforts to facilitate aid deliveries by sea to Gaza.
President Biden announced the construction of the pier in March, with the U.S. military working on it in April and anchoring it off the coast of Gaza in mid-May. Food and supplies had been struggling to enter Gaza through land borders following Israel’s incursion into Rafah, prompting the use of the pier for aid shipments. However, the pier was damaged by rough seas in late May and had to be taken out of service. Although it was repaired earlier this month, it was only intermittently functioning. The decision to pause operations came after a Pentagon spokeswoman had reported that the pier was back in operation following a break due to high sea states.
Despite the challenges faced by the pier, around 7.7 million pounds of aid have been delivered through the maritime corridor for distribution in Gaza since May. However, it is unclear how much of these supplies are reaching the Gazans in need. Delivery from the pier to warehouses in Gaza is also facing difficulties, as the World Food Program had to pause its work near the pier due to safety concerns following an Israeli operation that resulted in casualties among Palestinians. Cindy McCain, the program’s executive director, expressed concerns about the safety of their staff in the region.
The U.S. Central Command emphasized the importance of resuming aid deliveries through the pier once the weather conditions improve. The decision to temporarily relocate the pier was made to ensure its continued operation in the future, highlighting the military’s commitment to humanitarian efforts in Gaza despite the challenges faced. As the situation in Gaza remains critical, with reports of catastrophic hunger and malnutrition, the need for sustained aid delivery remains paramount to alleviate the suffering of the population.
While the relocation of the pier may cause delays in aid deliveries, efforts are being made to ensure its rapid re-anchoring and resumption of operations once the weather conditions stabilize. The U.S. military’s commitment to aid delivery in Gaza underscores the importance of international support and cooperation in addressing the humanitarian crisis in the region. As the situation continues to evolve, it is essential for all stakeholders to work together to ensure the timely and effective delivery of aid to those in need in Gaza.
