The United States was forced to suspend the delivery of aid to its temporary floating pier on the coast of Gaza after rough weather caused the structure to break apart. Four vessels that stabilized the pier broke off due to choppy waters earlier in the week, leaving the pier inoperable. The repairs are expected to take at least a week, according to a U.N. official. President Biden’s administration spent $320 million constructing the massive dock, which was operational for barely a week before the damage occurred.
Of the four vessels that detached, two drifted northward and landed on a beach in Ashdod, Israel, while the other two remained anchored near the damaged pier. Despite transferring approximately 569 metric tons of aid into Gaza, none of the aid had been delivered to Palestinians as of last week. The pier’s failure comes amidst ongoing Israeli military operations in Rafah, where tanks were seen entering the city for the first time since the conflict began.
Witnesses in Rafah reported seeing Israeli tanks near the Al-Awda mosque, a central landmark in the city. The tanks were observed being operated remotely, with no personnel in or around them. The Israel Defense Forces acknowledged ongoing operations in the Rafah area but did not confirm if their forces had advanced to the city center. Israeli tanks had previously positioned themselves on the outskirts of Rafah since taking control of the border crossing with Egypt three weeks prior.
The Gaza pier’s damage has stirred controversy regarding the cost and security of the project, with questions raised about the effectiveness and longevity of the floating dock. President Biden’s vision for a Palestinian state has faced skepticism from experts, who view it as recognizing Hamas explicitly. The failure of the pier has delayed the delivery of aid to Palestinians in Gaza, adding to the challenges faced by the region amid escalating military operations and tensions between Israel and Hamas.
Despite the setbacks, efforts to address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza must continue, as civilians in the region face dire circumstances exacerbated by the ongoing conflict. The disruption to aid delivery highlights the need for sustainable and reliable solutions to address the needs of Palestinians in Gaza. As repairs to the damaged floating pier are underway, it is crucial for all parties involved to prioritize the well-being and safety of civilians caught in the crossfire of the conflict. The situation in Gaza remains precarious, and swift action is needed to prevent further suffering and instability in the region.
