The pier built by the U.S. military to deliver aid to Gaza has reopened, despite being closed twice due to ongoing fighting between Israel and Hamas. Pentagon press secretary, Air Force Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder, announced on Thursday that the transfer of humanitarian assistance has resumed, with over 1.4 million pounds of supplies being delivered to Gaza.
The U.S. military installed the pier last month at a cost of $320 million to facilitate the delivery of aid into Gaza. However, the pier has faced challenges since opening in late May, including choppy weather that forced it to go offline. Furthermore, there have been reports of Palestinians looting aid convoys, adding to the difficulties faced by the pier.
The Biden administration had announced plans for the pier in March as a way to provide crucial aid to Palestinians in Gaza, where basic necessities remain scarce. Despite facing setbacks, the pier has facilitated the delivery of over 9.1 million pounds of humanitarian aid through the Maritime Corridor since May 17.
While the pier was always intended to be a temporary solution, no end date for the mission has been established yet. Ryder emphasized that the responsibility for aid distribution lies with USAID and other relevant organizations. The reopening of the pier is a welcomed development for Palestinians in Gaza who are in dire need of humanitarian assistance.
As the situation in Gaza remains fragile due to ongoing conflict, the reopening of the pier provides a glimmer of hope for those in need. The delivery of aid is crucial to alleviate the suffering of the people in Gaza, and the efforts to keep the pier operational despite challenges are commendable.
It is essential for the international community to continue supporting humanitarian efforts in Gaza to ensure that basic necessities reach those who need them the most. The reopening of the pier is a step in the right direction, but more needs to be done to address the root causes of the crisis in Gaza and work towards a lasting solution for the people in the region.