Pentagon: Gaza aid pier unlikely to be reattached

The Pentagon announced on Friday that a temporary pier, designed to facilitate aid deliveries to the besieged Gaza Strip amidst Israeli restrictions, is unlikely to be reattached, Anadolu Agency reported.

National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan revealed on Thursday that operations at the Joint Logistics Over-the-Shore (JLOTS) facility would cease "in relatively short order." 

The pier, which has faced numerous challenges, is set to be dismantled following ongoing difficulties in delivering essential aid to the starving Palestinian population.

Efforts were underway to retrieve millions of pounds of aid stored in a “marshaling area” near the pier’s location. 

However, the Pentagon indicated that these efforts might not proceed as planned. Pentagon spokesperson Sabrina Singh reported that attempts to re-anchor the pier were thwarted by technical and weather-related issues, forcing the US military to return ships and materials to the Israeli port of Ashdod for maintenance.

“We don’t have more information on when or if a re-anchoring will be possible,” Singh stated, emphasizing that the timeline depends on sea conditions and environmental factors.

The White House confirmed the pier's uncertain future following a series of mishaps that led to its removal for repairs and maintenance. 

Since becoming operational on May 17, the facility has delivered over 8,100 metric tons—approximately 20 million pounds—of humanitarian aid, which was intended for collection by humanitarian organizations for distribution.

The World Food Program (WFP), a key partner in facilitating these deliveries, halted operations following a deadly Israeli hostage rescue operation in June, during which two of its warehouses were hit by rockets. 

This incident, coupled with Israel’s controversial use of a vehicle disguised as an aid truck during the operation, prompted a security review that is still ongoing.

US President Joe Biden expressed disappointment over the jetty’s failure, stating he had hoped for more successful operations. The ongoing challenges highlight the precarious nature of aid delivery in Gaza, as the humanitarian situation continues to deteriorate amidst escalating tensions and restrictions.

With the dismantling of the pier, the future of aid deliveries to the Palestinian people remains uncertain, leaving millions in desperate need without a clear path forward.