The troubled humanitarian pier to Gaza is being dismantled by the US for the third time in six weeks due to anticipated heavy seas and bad weather, according to two US officials. The pier was constructed to provide aid to civilians affected by the ongoing Israel-Hamas war and will be towed back to the Ashdod port in southern Israel on Friday. The officials have not specified how long the pier will be disconnected.
Deputy Pentagon press secretary Sabrina Singh emphasized the importance of prioritizing the safety of service members and preventing potential structural damage caused by the high sea state. This decision comes after GOP Rep. Mike Rogers criticized the temporary pier as a wasteful use of taxpayer dollars.
The pier has faced setbacks in the past, including being damaged in heavy seas just one week after beginning operations in May. Despite delivering over 8,800 metric tons of humanitarian aid since then, aid distribution has been stalled as the World Food Programme reviews the security situation in Gaza. More than 6,000 pallets of aid are currently awaiting distribution on the beach.
USAID has been in discussions with the World Food Programme to resume operations and ensure aid reaches those in need. The idea of establishing a maritime corridor to bring aid to Gaza was initially explored in October following the conflict between Hamas and Israeli forces. President Joe Biden officially announced the construction of the pier in March to address the dire need for humanitarian aid in Gaza.
