President Biden’s order to establish temporary piers off the coast of the Gaza Strip in order to increase the delivery of humanitarian aid has been met with criticism due to running significantly over budget and causing a variety of issues since USAID commenced deliveries. Republican lawmakers, including Rep. Michael Waltz and Sen. Roger Wicker, have questioned the value of the operation, citing concerns about cost and efficacy. The Pentagon announced the completion of the piers in May but encountered difficulties during deployment and faced unexpected costs.
Waltz expressed concerns about the long-term costs of the project, highlighting the expenses related to maintaining security around the piers and the opportunity cost of using Navy destroyers for this purpose. He also emphasized that the main issue lies in the challenges faced once the aid has been delivered and is subject to the same issues as land-based delivery, such as attacks on trucks and control of warehouses by Hamas.
Despite efforts to increase aid deliveries to Gaza through the temporary piers, challenges have arisen. Issues such as damage to the piers during relocation attempts, logistical problems, weather disruptions, and security threats have plagued the operation. Deliveries have not reached the desired level, and U.N. officials have reported that crowds have impeded the trucks along the route, leading to self-distribution of the aid. Pentagon spokesman Maj. Gen. Patrick Ryder acknowledged that the aid was not flowing at a satisfactory rate.
Waltz criticized the piers as a project initiated for political reasons, suggesting that the Biden administration’s policies towards Israel have shifted in response to domestic political considerations. The lawmaker pointed to significant opposition from Michigan Democrats in the primary election and subsequent policy changes as evidence of the administration’s political motivations. He noted that the piers have ultimately placed U.S. service members at unnecessary risk and questioned the administration’s decision-making process.
Defense officials confirmed that three U.S. service members were injured while supporting the mission to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza. The injuries were non-combat-related, with one individual listed in critical condition. The White House did not respond to requests for comment on the situation. Despite the challenges and criticisms facing the temporary piers operation, the Biden administration’s efforts to increase aid delivery to Gaza continue, albeit with significant obstacles hindering progress.
In the midst of ongoing concerns about cost overruns, logistical issues, and security threats, the temporary piers project remains a point of contention for lawmakers and military officials. While the goal of increasing humanitarian aid to Gaza is commendable, the challenges associated with the operation raise questions about its effectiveness and long-term viability. As deliveries struggle to reach the intended recipients and face significant obstacles on the ground, the future of the project and its impact on humanitarian efforts in the region remain uncertain.
