The US military has concluded its mission to operate a temporary floating pier for aid deliveries to the Gaza Strip, citing challenges related to weather, technical issues, and security concerns. Over two months, more than 9,000 tonnes of aid were delivered through this pier, although it was only operational for about 20 days before being decommissioned on June 28 due to adverse weather conditions.
According to a report by BBC News, aid supplies will now be shipped from Cyprus to the Israeli port of Ashdod and transported by lorry to northern Gaza via an Israeli-controlled crossing. Vice-Admiral Brad Cooper highlighted that the pier had allowed a “surge” in aid deliveries and described the mission as “historically unprecedented” for delivering aid in an active combat zone without US personnel on the ground. Despite the challenges, he emphasized that the operation was cost-effective, costing less than the initial estimate of $230 million.
However, humanitarian organizations, including the UN, have stated that the aid delivered via the pier was only a fraction of what is needed. They argue that land routes remain the most efficient way to get aid into Gaza. The UN and other bodies have consistently called for 10,000 tonnes of aid and commercial supplies to be delivered daily to meet the needs of the 2.2 million Palestinians in Gaza.
Sonali Korde of USAID’s Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance pointed out that insecurity and lawlessness in Gaza continue to hinder effective aid distribution. She mentioned that the US decision to end the pier mission and transition to the Ashdod port was supported by Israel.
The pier, which began operations in mid-May, faced multiple setbacks due to stormy weather and security concerns. These issues led to four landing craft breaking loose, parts of the pier being taken for repairs, and eventually, the mission being terminated. Misleading social media reports about the use of the pier for a hostage rescue mission further complicated the situation, causing delays and accumulation of aid supplies.
President Joe Biden expressed disappointment with the mission’s limited success, noting that he had hoped for better outcomes. Initially, the pier was expected to be operational until August or September. The mission was launched following a UN-backed assessment warning of imminent famine in northern Gaza. While recent assessments indicate that famine has been averted, approximately 495,000 people in Gaza still face severe hunger, exacerbated by ongoing conflict and restricted humanitarian access.
UN officials attribute the crisis to Israeli military restrictions, continuous hostilities, and the breakdown of law and order. In contrast, Israel claims that there are no limitations on aid delivery and accuses UN agencies of failing to distribute supplies effectively, while also blaming Hamas for allegedly stealing aid, which the group denies.