Disaster Strikes: US Military Pier for Gaza Aid Damaged in Heavy Seas
WASHINGTON — In a devastating setback to the American-led effort to provide humanitarian aid to Gaza, the temporary pier constructed by the US military has broken apart and sustained significant damage in heavy seas, the Pentagon confirmed on Tuesday.
The pier, crucial for transporting aid into the war-torn enclave, will now have to undergo extensive repairs after being battered by the rough conditions. Pentagon deputy press secretary Sabrina Singh announced that the damaged sections of the pier will need to be rebuilt and repaired, causing further delays in establishing a fully operational maritime corridor for supplies.
According to four US officials who spoke to CNN, the pier broke apart in heavy seas, with part of the structure disconnecting on Sunday. The narrow causeway used to drive aid into Gaza and the wider parking area for supplies were both affected, requiring reconnection before the pier can be utilized again.
The damage occurred just days after heavy seas forced two US Army vessels to beach in Israel, while two other vessels broke free of their moorings and were anchored near the damaged pier, as reported by NBC News.
Pentagon deputy press secretary Sabrina Singh stated during a briefing that efforts are underway to push the vessels back into operation with the help of the Israeli Navy. The repairs to the pier, costing $320 million, are expected to take over a week to complete.
The temporary pier, known as the Joint Logistics Over the Shore (JLOTS), was only operational for a week before the heavy seas halted maritime shipments. It is unclear when shipments will resume, as the system requires optimal sea conditions with waves no higher than 3 feet and winds under 15 miles per hour.
Despite the setback, Vice Adm. Brad Cooper of US Central Command highlighted that over 1,000 metric tons of aid had already been delivered through the pier before operations were halted. The United Nations was responsible for distributing the aid to the Palestinian population on the Gaza beach.
However, with the pier now inoperable, thousands of tons of aid waiting in Cyprus for delivery through the maritime corridor are currently on hold. The US emphasizes that the temporary pier is meant to supplement humanitarian shipments through land crossings between Israel and Gaza.
The setback underscores the challenges faced in providing crucial aid to Gaza amidst the ongoing conflict, with efforts to establish a reliable maritime corridor now facing significant delays and obstacles. — CNN
