The US is set to dismantle the humanitarian pier to Gaza for the third time in anticipation of heavy seas and inclement weather, according to US officials. This pier, constructed to facilitate the delivery of essential aid to civilians affected by the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict, has faced numerous challenges since its inception six weeks ago.
Frequent closures of land crossings necessitated the construction of the pier to ensure aid could reach those in need. However, it will be towed back to the Ashdod port in southern Israel until weather conditions improve, with no clear timeline for its reactivation.
The decision to dismantle the pier follows criticism from US lawmakers. GOP Rep. Mike Rogers, chair of the House Armed Services Committee, labeled the pier a “gross waste of taxpayer dollars” due to its repeated setbacks. GOP Sen. Roger Wicker, ranking member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, called for an immediate end to the operation, citing the pier’s inefficiency.
This marks the second time the pier has been intentionally disconnected to avoid weather-related damage. Shortly after beginning operations in May, the pier sustained damage from heavy seas, necessitating repairs.
Despite these challenges, the pier has delivered 8,831 metric tons (over 19.4 million pounds) of humanitarian aid since May. However, aid distribution has been halted as the World Food Programme reassesses the security situation in Gaza, leading to a backlog of more than 6,000 pallets of aid awaiting distribution on the beach.
