Gaza Pier Constructed by US Destroyed by Waves, Halting Aid Delivery

A US-led initiative to construct a temporary pier for delivering humanitarian aid to Gaza has faced significant setbacks. Harsh sea conditions caused four transportation vessels to break free from their moorings, leading to two vessels washing up near the pier and another two drifting to Ashkelon, Israel.

The pier, built off the Gaza coast, was part of a $320 million project initiated by the Biden administration in April. The goal was to expedite aid delivery amidst claims that Israel was not sufficiently facilitating humanitarian efforts. However, General Patrick S. Ryder, the US Defense Department’s press secretary, reported that none of the 569 metric tons of aid delivered via the pier has reached Gaza’s residents.

According to Ryder, aid distribution has been hindered by theft and logistical challenges. Trucks transporting aid within Gaza have been intercepted, with many of the supplies stolen. During a Tuesday press conference, Ryder explained that efforts are underway to identify alternative routes to ensure aid reaches its intended recipients.

The United Nations World Food Program (WFP) confirmed that only five out of sixteen aid trucks reached their destinations, the rest falling victim to looters. WFP spokesperson Steve Taravella emphasized the need for improved logistics and community cooperation to prevent further disruptions.

“Without sufficient supplies entering Gaza, these issues will continue to surface. Community acceptance and trust that this is not a one-off event are essential for this operation’s success,” Taravella stated. He urged relevant parties to allow the use of alternative routes to facilitate aid delivery, warning that without these changes, the operation might fail.

US Representative Michael Waltz (R-FL) criticized the pier’s construction, citing risks to American soldiers and potential aid diversion to Hamas. Waltz argued that Hamas, which controls Gaza, would likely exploit the aid for its own purposes rather than allowing it to benefit civilians.

Earlier this month, a US State Department spokesperson disclosed that Hamas had attempted to seize a major humanitarian shipment from Jordan, intended for Gaza’s civilians. This incident underscores the ongoing challenges in ensuring that aid reaches those in need without interference from Hamas.

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