U.S. Navy Vessel Beached after Pier Retrieval Attempt

Footage released by Fox News shows the beached Navy landing craft mechanized (LCM) that attempted to retrieve a section of the humanitarian aid pier damaged during transit. The incident highlights ongoing challenges in delivering aid to the Gaza Strip.

The United States Navy has released footage of a beached landing craft mechanized (LCM) after a botched attempt to retrieve a damaged section of the humanitarian aid pier in Gaza. The incident underscores the ongoing challenges and controversies surrounding the U.S.-built pier, which has been plagued by looting and inclement weather.

The pier, constructed at a cost of $320 million, was intended to facilitate the delivery of aid into Gaza. However, its construction and operation have been marred by controversy and setbacks. Hundreds of Palestinians have looted aid convoys, and the structure has withstood rough weather conditions.

On Saturday, aid arrived at the pier with approximately 492 metric tons delivered, according to U.S. Central Command (USCENTCOM). "To date, USCENTCOM has assisted in the delivery of more than 1,573 metric tons (~3.5 million pounds) of humanitarian aid. No U.S. military personnel went ashore in Gaza," the agency stated.

However, on Sunday, Cindy McCain, executive director of the United Nations' World Food Programme (WFP), announced the organization was temporarily halting distribution due to safety concerns. "Right now, we're paused because I'm concerned about the safety of our people after the incidents yesterday," she said.

Two WFP warehouses were hit by rockets on Saturday, prompting the suspension of operations. "We've stepped back just for the moment to make sure that we're in – on safe terms and on safe ground before we'll restart," McCain explained.

USCENTCOM confirmed the pier remains operational. A Pentagon spokesperson stated that 1,573 metric tons have been delivered from the pier and that U.S. military personnel are not operating in Gaza.

Relief agencies have urged Israel to reopen land routes to Gaza, but Israel maintains that it has allowed trucks to enter and blames the U.N. for the distribution delays.

President Biden announced plans for the pier during his State of the Union address in March, with an initial estimate of 60 days to complete construction. However, the first aid trucks did not arrive until May 17.

Former IDF spokesperson Jonathan Conricus emphasized Israel's priority of providing aid to civilians in Gaza while combating Hamas. "Hamas continues to intentionally disrupt the provision of aid and continues to attack and loot warehouses, harass aid convoys and steal and sell international aid," he said.

Conricus criticized the lack of condemnation for Hamas's actions, saying, "According to the behavior of various U.N. officials since Oct. 7, I will not hold my breath to hear their condemnation of Hamas’ efforts to obstruct the provision of aid, only to criticize Israel."

The incident underscores the complex and challenging nature of delivering humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip. The pier, intended as a solution, has faced numerous obstacles, reflecting the ongoing tensions and controversies surrounding the conflict.