Repair Process Begins for U.S.-Built Pier Bringing Aid to Gaza

In a troubling development, the U.S.-built temporary pier in Gaza, which has been a lifeline for Palestinians receiving humanitarian aid, has been damaged by rough seas and will need to be removed for repairs, according to Pentagon officials.

The pier, which has only been operational for less than two weeks, will be taken off the coast of Gaza and transported to Ashdod in Israel for repairs by U.S. Central Command. Pentagon spokeswoman Sabrina Singh stated that the repairs will take “at least over a week” before the pier can be anchored back into place in Gaza.

This setback comes at a critical time as the pier has been instrumental in delivering much-needed food and supplies to Palestinians amidst the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas. With other crossings in the region not operating due to nearby fighting, the pier and two crossings from Israel have been crucial for distributing humanitarian aid over the past few weeks.

The $320 million pier has already faced challenges, with three U.S. service members injured and four vessels grounded due to heavy seas. Additionally, deliveries were temporarily stopped last week after a fatal shooting incident involving aid trucks.

Despite the setback, U.S. officials are determined to resume operations at the pier and continue providing aid to the people of Gaza. The need for more open land crossings and alternative methods of aid delivery, such as airdrops, has been emphasized as the pier alone cannot meet the full extent of Gaza’s needs.

With the situation in Gaza growing increasingly dire, the repair of the damaged pier will be crucial in ensuring that vital humanitarian aid continues to reach those in need.