The U.S. government has recently allocated $230 million to construct and maintain a humanitarian aid pier in Gaza, but the project has faced significant challenges and criticisms. Initially estimated at $320 million, the cost was later revised downward due to contributions from the UK and lower-than-expected contracting expenses.
The purpose of the pier is to facilitate the delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza, which has been severely impacted by ongoing conflicts and blockades. The first aid delivery via this maritime route began on May 17, 2024, aiming to move up to one million pounds of supplies every two days. However, the project has been plagued by operational disruptions and security concerns.
Biden spent $320M of our tax dollars on this floating Gaza pier which lasted 12 days.
Biden gave each family in Hawaii $700 after their entire lives, businesses, and homes were burned to a crisp. pic.twitter.com/NxWGXpcuph
— Libs of TikTok (@libsoftiktok) June 14, 2024
During its brief operational period, the pier suffered damage from heavy winds and rough seas, leading to its temporary detachment and repair. This damage not only hindered aid deliveries but also injured three U.S. service members, with one critically wounded.
Furthermore, the distribution of aid was disrupted when crowds overran aid trucks, stripping them of their cargo before reaching designated warehouses.
Sources: @JoeBiden Gaza Pier Is Endangering Troops’ Lives for a ‘Photo-Op’
Via @kristina_wong @DeptofDefense source: Gaza floating pier mission has been targeted daily. “[There] absolutely has been gunfire & mortars. It’s all day & night nonstop.”https://t.co/1QcQzOkJqA pic.twitter.com/WRYsnSAXfA
— NOVA Campaigns (@NoVA_Campaigns) June 12, 2024
Adding to the complications, a recent Israeli security operation to rescue hostages resulted in the deaths of over 270 Palestinians.
This incident prompted the United Nations to pause its cooperation with the U.S.-built pier due to concerns about the perceived militarization of the aid effort. The UN's suspension has led to aid piling up on the beach as humanitarian groups reassess the situation.
Despite these setbacks, U.S. Central Command remains optimistic about the pier's potential to deliver significant amounts of aid. Vice Adm. Brad Cooper expressed confidence that lessons learned from early operations would improve future aid delivery efforts. However, the reliance on a temporary maritime route underscores the urgent need for more stable land-based aid channels, which Israel has been slow to reopen due to security concerns.
President Joe Biden's administration has emphasized that the pier was never intended as a total solution to Gaza's humanitarian crisis but as a supplementary route to deliver aid. Nevertheless, the project has faced substantial scrutiny and criticism for its high costs and limited effectiveness amid ongoing regional instability.
