Pentagon Cannot Confirm Aid Delivered to Gaza Civilians via New Pier

The Pentagon has admitted that of the 569 metric tons of humanitarian aid delivered into Gaza via the temporary pier, none has yet reached Gazan civilians in need. This admission came from Air Force Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder, the Pentagon press secretary, during a press conference on Tuesday.

When a reporter asked, "Is it, am I accurate to say zero has been delivered to the people of Gaza so far?" Ryder responded, "You’d have to check with the World Food Program. I know that aid is getting in, but it’s not accurate that no aid has been delivered. You know, we’ve been doing airdrops. We’ve been helping to facilitate aid coming over the land crossings, but the causeway has been able to get over 569 metric tons of aid into Gaza for onward delivery."

Pressed further on whether any of the aid had been delivered as of today, Ryder conceded, "As of today? I do not believe so."

This revelation follows a previous Pentagon press briefing on May 14, where Ryder stated that the U.S. Defense Department estimated the pier's cost at $320 million.

Meanwhile, The Washington Post reported that some World Food Program staff claimed "some of that aid had reached recipients," but did not provide details on the amount or the identities of the recipients.

This situation underscores the ongoing challenges and complexities in ensuring that humanitarian aid reaches those most in need in conflict zones. The delay in aid distribution raises critical questions about the mechanisms and processes in place to deliver assistance effectively and efficiently to Gazan civilians.

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