The US has announced that the floating pier it built in Gaza to increase humanitarian aid deliveries will soon cease operations, less than two months after it was installed.
The decision comes after the US military failed to re-anchor the pier this week due to technical issues and bad weather.
The pier had to be removed on June 28 because of stormy conditions in the Mediterranean.Despite delivering over 8,000 tonnes of aid while operational, the $230 million pier project has faced numerous challenges since its launch in May.
Adverse weather repeatedly forced the structure to be dismantled and repaired in the Israeli port of Ashdod.
Security concerns also disrupted aid distribution after an Israeli military raid near the pier in June.
The BBC reports that while the pier aimed to alleviate Gaza’s dire humanitarian crisis, with 96% of the population food insecure and 495,000 facing starvation, its impact fell short of expectations.
Logistical hurdles and ongoing violence made it difficult to ensure aid reached those most in need.
The pier’s temporary nature and the complexities of delivering assistance in a conflict zone further limited its effectiveness.
As the US winds down the pier project, the focus shifts to addressing Gaza’s humanitarian emergency through alternative channels.
However, with Israel’s military campaign continuing and land borders heavily restricted, providing sufficient aid remains an immense challenge.
The BBC’s reporting highlights the difficulties of delivering relief in the midst of an intractable conflict.
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c725re0g447o