Three U.S. troops suffered non-combat injuries while working on a temporary pier off the coast of Gaza, with one in critical condition at an Israeli hospital, U.S. officials reported on Thursday. This marks the first instance of injuries for U.S. forces during the ongoing operation to deliver humanitarian aid to Palestinians.
The pier, which was announced by President Joe Biden in March, was constructed by the military to serve as a conduit for humanitarian aid. Costing an estimated $320 million for the first 90 days and involving around 1,000 U.S. service members, the pier became operational last week.
Vice Admiral Brad Cooper, the deputy commander of U.S. Central Command, stated that two of the troops sustained minor injuries, including a sprained ankle and a minor back injury. These individuals were able to return to duty following treatment. However, a third service member, who was injured on a ship at sea, was evacuated to an Israeli hospital in critical condition.
Despite concerns raised by U.S. lawmakers about the risks involved in positioning troops off the coast of Gaza, the Pentagon has emphasized its commitment to prioritizing the safety of military personnel. Social media images captured a U.S. air defense system, the Counter Rockets, Artillery and Mortars (CRAM), being tested on the pier.
Since the pier’s opening last week, approximately 506 metric tons of aid have been delivered to humanitarian groups in Gaza, with more distribution planned in the near future. The operation continues to be assessed for safety and effectiveness as efforts to provide aid to Palestinians persist.