US aid efforts for Gaza faced a setback as a temporary pier built by the military collapsed in heavy seas, halting crucial aid shipments to Palestinians. The $320m pier was meant to ease a humanitarian crisis by providing a supply line for aid deliveries. Sabrina Singh, deputy press secretary for the defense department, cited high seas and adverse weather for the pier damage.
The pier will be repaired in Ashdod, Israel, taking over a week before being re-anchored in Gaza to resume aid deliveries. The incident drew criticism as a waste of taxpayer money. This setback follows US army vessels breaking free in heavy seas, with some grounding near Gaza and Israel.
President Biden had hoped the pier would bypass Israeli restrictions on land aid deliveries to Gaza, where nearly 2.4 million people lack basic necessities. Gaza is experiencing its deadliest conflict with thousands killed in the recent violence between Hamas and Israel.
Despite these challenges, Centcom reported delivering over 1,000 metric tons of aid, offering some relief amidst the ongoing crisis in Gaza.