The U.S. military’s mission to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza via a pier has faced numerous challenges and has now come to an end. Despite successfully bringing tons of supplies to starving Palestinians, the pier was plagued by rough seas, security threats, and weather-related delays.
After the pier was dismantled due to bad weather, Vice Adm. Brad Cooper announced that the Israeli port at Ashdod would be utilized for aid delivery instead. Humanitarian groups had halted the distribution of supplies over security concerns, leading to a buildup of aid on Gaza’s shore.
The timeline of the pier’s journey, from announcement to dismantlement, showcases the obstacles faced and the efforts made to provide aid to Gaza. Ultimately, the Defense Department confirmed the pier’s closure and the decision to bring it back home.
Despite the challenges, the U.S. military’s efforts led to the delivery of a significant amount of aid to Gaza, marking it as the largest humanitarian assistance operation in the Middle East.