Aid organisations have expressed disappointment in a failing US-built pier in Gaza that is used to transport aid into the besieged enclave. Satellite images have shown the pier deteriorating due to damage from the sea, indicating a need for reconstruction.
The pier, known as Joint Logistics Over the Shore (JLOTS), was constructed at a cost of $320 million and commenced operations on May 17. However, it has now been deemed ineffective and is scheduled to be relocated to Ashdod in Israel for repairs.
Despite claims of success by the US Department of Defense, aid organisations have raised concerns over the inadequacy of the pier compared to using land routes for aid delivery. The situation in Gaza continues to worsen, with heavy Israeli bombardment exacerbating the humanitarian crisis.
Various groups, including Doctors Without Borders and Save the Children, have emphasized the urgent need for improved aid access through established land routes to address the escalating needs of Gaza’s population, particularly for vulnerable groups like children.
As Israeli restrictions on aid persist, the people of Gaza face extreme challenges, with reports of malnutrition and dehydration-related deaths emerging. The failing pier serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing struggle for adequate humanitarian assistance in the region.