US resumes delivering maritime aid to Gaza following pier repairs

Maritime aid deliveries to Gaza resumed on Saturday after a US-built temporary pier was repaired, announced US Central Command. The pier had broken apart last month, but after repairs, nearly 500 metric tons of aid, totaling over a million pounds, were delivered starting Saturday morning local time.

This delivery came on the same day that the Israeli military conducted an operation to rescue four hostages in Gaza. Unfortunately, the operation resulted in the deaths of 236 people and injuries to over 400 others. CENTCOM clarified that the pier was not used in this operation and was solely intended for aid delivery purposes.

The temporary pier, known as Joint Logistics Over the Shore (JLOTS), was crucial in moving urgently needed lifesaving assistance into Gaza. Despite facing challenges such as planning around Israeli operations and logistical issues, the pier had successfully delivered 1,000 metric tons of aid in less than two weeks before sustaining damage.

Human rights groups have raised concerns about the dire living conditions in Gaza, with the United Nations warning of a potential famine affecting over 1 million people. While Israeli officials claim there is no limit on aid entering Gaza, the UN has accused authorities of imposing unlawful restrictions on relief operations.

The US has also conducted air drops of humanitarian aid into Gaza in partnership with the Royal Jordanian Air Force, with plans to resume these drops in the coming days. The situation in Gaza remains critical, with ongoing efforts to provide much-needed assistance to the population.