The U.S.-built pier in Gaza that is meant to provide food to Palestinians is facing challenges as its humanitarian partner, the United Nations, is considering whether it can continue delivering supplies ethically and safely after a June 8 Israeli operation killed over 270 Palestinians. The U.N. has paused its work with the pier as it conducts a security review, and aid has been piling up on the beach since then. Questions have been raised about whether the U.S. sea route could compromise core humanitarian principles of neutrality and independence.
During the Israeli raid, the Israeli military rescued hostages from a U.S. aid hub on Gaza’s coast, prompting concerns from humanitarian groups about the use of the U.S. military-backed pier. Despite denials from Israel and the U.S. that the pier was used in the raid, the U.N. is conducting a security review to determine if there was improper use. The U.N. has underscored the importance of humanitarian aid being neutral and independent, emphasizing that the safety of aid workers relies on the trust of all sides involved in conflicts.
Social media rumors have intensified the risk to aid workers in Gaza, with perceptions that humanitarian aid has been politicized in the conflict. Organizations like Oxfam International are seeking clarification from the U.S. government responsible for agreements with humanitarian groups on the functionality of the pier. Concerns have been raised about the Israeli military’s presence around the pier and whether it has violated agreements intended to keep military personnel away from the area.
The pier has faced challenges since its inception in March, with logistics issues and damage from harsh weather conditions, leading to pauses in operations. The U.S. has urged Israel to ease restrictions on aid shipments through land crossings amid a looming famine in Gaza. The U.N.’s decision to suspend cooperation with the pier following the Israeli operation has further complicated the delivery of aid, with over 2,500 metric tons of aid brought by the pier waiting for distribution on the beach.
The U.N. World Food Program, which collaborates with the U.S. to transfer aid to Gaza, has emphasized the importance of assessing the situation thoroughly to avoid compromising humanitarian principles or risking the safety of aid workers. The perception of the pier’s involvement in military operations has exacerbated tensions on the ground, with Palestinians viewing humanitarian aid delivery with skepticism due to the involvement of the U.S., a military ally of Israel. Achieving acceptance and trust in communities is seen as essential for the security of aid workers operating in conflict zones.
The suspension of aid deliveries from the U.S.-built pier highlights the complexities involved in providing humanitarian assistance in conflict zones like Gaza. As humanitarian organizations navigate security concerns and work to maintain neutrality, the challenges facing the pier underscore the importance of clear agreements and protocols to ensure the safe and effective delivery of aid. Moving forward, addressing the perceptions and concerns of all parties involved will be crucial in reestablishing trust and ensuring the continuation of vital humanitarian assistance in Gaza.
