The United States military has announced the termination of its floating pier mission in Gaza, a $230-$320 million project aimed at delivering humanitarian aid to Palestinians. The pier, operational since May, faced numerous challenges including adverse weather conditions, mechanical malfunctions, and security concerns, limiting its effectiveness.Despite these obstacles, US military officials claim the pier achieved its intended effect, delivering nearly 20 million pounds of supplies to Gaza. However, critics, including Senator Roger Wicker, have labeled the project a ‘national embarrassment’ and a ‘$230 million boondoggle’ that failed to bring in the level of aid needed to stem a looming famine.The aid delivery mission will now transition to the established port of Ashdod in Israel, where supplies will be transported to Gaza via the UN and World Food Program. At least 5 million pounds of aid are already awaiting transit through this new route.Vice Admiral Brad Cooper, deputy commander of US Central Command, defended the operation, describing it as ‘unprecedented’ and stating that it had completed its objectives. However, humanitarian groups have criticized the project, arguing it took pressure off Israel to open more border crossings for aid transportation into Palestinian territory.The closure of the pier comes amid ongoing concerns about the distribution of aid within Gaza due to insecurity and lawlessness in the region. The World Food Programme had previously suspended deliveries through the pier last month to assess the security situation following an Israeli military operation in the area.As the US military dismantles the pier, questions remain about the effectiveness of international efforts to deliver aid to Gaza and the ongoing humanitarian crisis in the region.
Key points
- The US military has ended its floating pier mission in Gaza due to various challenges.
- The $230-$320 million project delivered nearly 20 million pounds of aid but faced criticism for falling short of expectations.
- Aid delivery will now transition to the port of Ashdod in Israel, with concerns about distribution within Gaza remaining.
Contradictions👾While US military officials claim the pier mission achieved its intended effect, critics and humanitarian groups argue it was a waste of resources and failed to deliver sufficient aid.
👾The exact cost of the project varies in reports, ranging from $230 million to $320 million.
