Officials say US may not reinstall Gaza aid pier removed due to weather

The pier built by the U.S. military to bring aid to Gaza has been removed due to weather concerns and may not be re-installed unless aid begins flowing out into the population again. U.S. officials have expressed concerns as the majority of the desperately needed food delivered through the pier is still sitting in the storage yard. Aid agencies have faced difficulties moving the food to areas further into Gaza where it is most needed due to attacks on humanitarian convoys. The U.N., which has the widest reach in delivering aid to Palestinians, hasn’t been distributing food and emergency supplies through the pier since June 9 due to security concerns.

President Joe Biden’s $230 million project has faced setbacks since aid first rolled ashore on May 17. The pier has been used to deliver more than 19.4 million pounds of food into Gaza, but has been affected by aid pauses and unpredictable weather. The military has had to remove and reinstall the pier due to damage caused by rough seas. The recent removal of the pier was due to heavy seas, with a decision on whether to reinstall it pending after the bad weather passes. U.S. officials are in discussions with aid agencies regarding the distribution of food and are exploring the option of transporting more aid into Cyprus and then to the pier for further distribution.

Sabrina Singh, a Pentagon spokeswoman, stated that she doesn’t know when the pier will be reinstalled as the decision lies with the commander. She highlighted the need for more aid to come into Cyprus and be transported to the pier, noting that the secured area onshore is nearly full. The intention remains to get aid into Gaza through any means necessary, but the decision to reinstall the pier will be made once there is enough room in the storage yard for effective distribution. Palestinians in Gaza are experiencing widespread hunger due to the Israel-Hamas war, Israeli restrictions on border crossings, and attacks on aid convoys that have severely limited the flow of essential supplies into the region.

The pier project, while temporary and never meant to be a complete solution, has attracted criticism from relief groups and congressional Republicans as a costly distraction. The U.N. World Food Program’s participation in the pier project remains on pause as security concerns following the Israeli military raid near the pier prompted a review of aid workers’ safety and neutrality. The U.N. has not been distributing food and emergency supplies through the pier since June 9. The U.S. military is considering reinstalling the pier once the bad weather passes and discussions with aid agencies regarding food distribution in Gaza are ongoing.

The U.S. military’s efforts to deliver aid to Gaza have been hampered by various challenges, including aid pauses, unpredictable weather, and attacks on humanitarian convoys. The decision to remove the pier temporarily was made to protect it from weather damage, and the decision to reinstall it will depend on the situation on the ground. U.S. officials are committed to finding ways to ensure aid reaches the population in Gaza, but logistical challenges and security concerns continue to pose obstacles. The situation in Gaza remains dire, with Palestinians facing widespread hunger and limited access to essential supplies due to ongoing conflicts and restrictions on border crossings.