The pier built by the U.S. military to bring aid to Gaza has been removed due to weather concerns, and may not be reinstalled unless aid distribution improves, U.S. officials reported on Friday. While some food aid has been delivered through the pier, a majority remains in storage due to logistical challenges, leading to aid agencies struggling to reach the most affected areas in Gaza. The United Nations stopped distributing aid through the pier after a security incident on June 9, causing humanitarian convoys to pause their operations.
The U.N. has started moving aid from the pier to warehouses in Gaza to prevent spoilage, with further operations dependent on security assessments. President Joe Biden’s $230 million aid project has faced criticism and setbacks since its launch in May, delivering over 19.4 million pounds of food but dealing with interruptions like rough seas damaging the pier.
Reinstalling the pier is pending favorable weather conditions, with ongoing discussions on aid distribution and addressing logistical constraints. Palestinians are experiencing severe food shortages due to the impact of the Israel-Hamas conflict and limitations on aid delivery routes. Efforts to continue supporting Gaza remain a top priority for the U.S. authorities.
