U.S. Military Shuts Down Troubled Gaza Pier, Citing Security Challenges

Despite President Biden's pledge to build a temporary pier in the Mediterranean Sea to enhance humanitarian aid delivery to the Gaza Strip, the U.S. military has halted its operation due to distribution difficulties.

The Pentagon has commenced the shutdown of the pier into the Gaza Strip, a project fraught with controversy and substantial expense. President Biden's March State of the Union announcement of the pier's construction sparked immediate criticism from congressional members, who questioned its efficacy and potential risks.

The pier's estimated $230 million cost and its perilous nature raised concerns among lawmakers. Republican Senator Roger Wicker condemned the project as a "national embarrassment" and an "election-year gimmick." Republican Representative Michael Waltz echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the danger to American personnel and the high cost of the operation.

U.S. Military Shuts Down Troubled Gaza Pier, Citing Security Challenges

Construction of the pier, consisting of two sections, was reportedly completed in early May. However, deployment difficulties and security concerns plagued its operation in the subsequent weeks. Distribution of aid through the pier was halted by the United Nations in early June due to security concerns.

The U.S. Assistant to the Administrator of USAID's Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance, Sonali Korde, identified insecurity and lawlessness in Gaza as major obstacles to aid distribution. The Deputy Commander of U.S. Central Command, Vice Admiral Brad Cooper, confirmed the completion of the pier's mission, citing the establishment of a more sustainable pathway through Ashdod.

U.S. Military Shuts Down Troubled Gaza Pier, Citing Security Challenges

This alternative route involves transporting aid from Cyprus to the port of Israel and then into Gaza through the United Nations and the World Food Programme. Israel's support for this endeavor has facilitated the successful delivery of over a million pounds of aid into Gaza in recent weeks.

Cooper emphasized the pier's positive impact on aid distribution to northern Gaza, highlighting the delivery of nearly 19 million pounds of supplies. Despite these assertions, Deputy State Spox Vedant Patel declined to acknowledge a resolution or conclusion to the situation, emphasizing that the overall operation was deemed successful.

U.S. Military Shuts Down Troubled Gaza Pier, Citing Security Challenges

The shutdown of the Gaza pier marks the end of a contentious project that drew criticism from inception. The high cost, security risks, and distribution challenges ultimately prompted the military to abandon its use. Humanitarian aid will now be delivered via a land and sea hybrid pathway, providing a more sustainable and secure alternative.