The US military has officially ended its mission to operate a temporary floating pier designed to facilitate the delivery of aid to the Gaza Strip. The project, which faced numerous operational challenges, will now see supplies transported via Israeli ports.
Details of the Floating Pier Mission
The floating pier, launched as an innovative solution to deliver aid directly to Gaza, was operational for approximately 20 days out of its planned duration. The mission encountered significant hurdles, including adverse weather conditions, technical issues, and security concerns. Since June 28, the pier has been out of action due to severe weather conditions.
During its brief period of operation, the pier facilitated the delivery of more than 9,000 tonnes of aid. Despite this, humanitarian organizations and the UN have noted that this amount represents only a small fraction of the total aid required by Gaza’s 2.2 million residents. They estimate that around 500 lorries, or 10,000 tonnes, of aid are needed daily to meet the urgent needs of the population.
Operational Challenges
The pier’s operation was marred by several difficulties, including a series of severe weather events. In late May, stormy conditions caused four landing craft to break loose and wash ashore, leading to structural damage that required repairs in the Israeli port of Ashdod. The entire structure had to be relocated multiple times due to ongoing weather and maintenance issues.
Security concerns also impacted the operation. The UN World Food Programme halted its collection of aid from the pier’s holding area due to fears surrounding the misuse of the facility, which led to a backlog of supplies. Eventually, contractors were hired to move the aid to warehouses to prevent spoilage.
Shift to Alternative Supply Routes
With the termination of the floating pier mission, the US will now route supplies from Cyprus to the Israeli port of Ashdod. From there, aid will be transported by truck through an Israeli-controlled crossing to northern Gaza. This shift reflects a strategic decision to utilize more reliable land routes, which are considered more effective for aid delivery.
Vice-Admiral Brad Cooper, deputy head of Central Command, defended the floating pier mission as a historically significant effort, noting its role in delivering a substantial volume of aid despite its operational challenges. He also emphasized that the pier was cost-effective, coming in under the initial $230 million estimate.
International and Humanitarian Reactions
US President Joe Biden expressed disappointment with the pier’s performance, stating that he had hoped for greater success. The pier was initially proposed in response to a UN assessment warning of imminent famine conditions in northern Gaza. Subsequent reports have indicated that while famine conditions have not been confirmed, significant hunger and food insecurity persist, with 495,000 people experiencing catastrophic levels of hunger.
UN officials attribute the ongoing crisis to a combination of Israeli military restrictions, continuing hostilities, and a breakdown in law and order. Israel contends that there are no restrictions on the quantity of aid entering Gaza and accuses UN agencies and Hamas of contributing to the distribution problems. Hamas denies allegations of stealing aid.
FAQ
1. Why has the US military ended the floating pier mission?
The US military concluded the floating pier operation due to a combination of weather-related issues, technical problems, and security concerns. The pier was operational for only about 20 days and faced challenges including severe weather and damage that required extensive repairs.
2. What will happen to aid delivery to Gaza now?
With the floating pier mission ending, aid will now be shipped from Cyprus to the Israeli port of Ashdod. From there, it will be transported by truck through an Israeli-controlled crossing to northern Gaza.
3. How much aid was delivered via the floating pier?
Over its operational period, the floating pier facilitated the delivery of more than 9,000 tonnes of aid. However, this amount is considered a small fraction of the total aid required for Gaza’s population.
4. What are the current conditions in Gaza?
While the immediate threat of famine has been reassessed, significant hunger and food insecurity persist in Gaza. The UN reports that 495,000 people are experiencing catastrophic levels of hunger.
5. What are the main challenges for aid delivery to Gaza?
Challenges include Israeli military restrictions, ongoing hostilities, security concerns, and issues with aid distribution. The UN and other humanitarian organizations have raised concerns about the effectiveness of current aid routes and distribution methods.
