The temporary pier constructed by the US military to transport aid into Gaza suffered significant damage in heavy seas on Tuesday, according to Pentagon officials. The pier, which was meant to create a maritime corridor for humanitarian supplies into the war-torn enclave, broke apart and will require extensive repairs.
Pentagon deputy press secretary Sabrina Singh stated that the pier will be removed from its location on the Gaza coast and taken to the Israeli port of Ashdod for repairs. The process is expected to take more than a week, further delaying the operation of the maritime corridor.
The damage occurred just days after heavy seas forced two small US Army vessels to beach in Israel, while two other vessels broke free of their moorings and were anchored near the pier. Despite the setbacks, efforts are underway to push the vessels back into operation with the help of the Israeli Navy.
The temporary pier, known as the Joint Logistics Over the Shore (JLOTS), cost $320 million and had only been operational for a week before the heavy seas caused disruptions. The system requires optimal sea conditions to operate safely, with waves not exceeding 3 feet and winds below 15 miles per hour.
The US has emphasized that the temporary pier is intended to supplement humanitarian shipments through land crossings between Israel and Gaza. However, with the pier currently inoperable, thousands of tons of aid waiting in Cyprus for delivery through the maritime corridor are now on hold.