In a coordinated effort, the Pentagon and USAID Inspectors General have launched reviews of the US humanitarian mission to Gaza, focusing on the challenges faced by the military’s temporary pier and the distribution of aid. The Defense Department IG will assess the effectiveness of DoD’s efforts to facilitate aid delivery through the maritime corridor, while the USAID IG will examine the agency’s plans and controls over aid distribution from the pier. The pier, known as JLOTS, has had to be re-anchored twice due to challenges. Some congressional Republicans have criticized the pier as a waste of taxpayer dollars. The World Food Programme has halted aid distribution from the pier for over two weeks. The humanitarian situation in Gaza has worsened amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas. US officials emphasize that the pier is a temporary measure to supplement land crossings for aid delivery to Gaza. DoD and USAID IGs are working together to address mission challenges. USAID IG ensures independent oversight of humanitarian assistance in Gaza. This review aims to provide transparency over aid delivery via the maritime corridor.
