Written By Lisa Murimi
The US has announced that the floating pier, designed to increase aid to the Gaza Strip, will “soon cease operations,” less than two months after its installation.
The decision follows failed attempts to re-anchor the pier due to “technical and weather-related issues.”
Since its deployment on May 17, the pier has faced numerous challenges. Despite delivering over 8,000 tonnes of humanitarian aid, stormy conditions frequently disrupted operations.
In late May, four landing craft broke loose, and parts of the pier required repairs in Ashdod. Mid-June saw the entire structure temporarily relocated due to weather.
Originally intended as a temporary solution, the $230 million Joint Logistics Over-the-Shore (JLOTS) scheme had been announced by President Joe Biden in March.
However, the project was hindered by adverse conditions and political controversy. Speculation of US involvement in an Israeli rescue operation in early June prompted a denial from the Pentagon.
Major General Pat Ryder confirmed that the pier and support equipment would return to Ashdod until further notice, emphasizing the pier’s role in supplementing land and air delivery channels during a dire humanitarian crisis.
While the pier’s operations aided Gaza, the challenges it faced highlighted the complexity of delivering humanitarian aid in a conflict zone.
