US Military Humanitarian Pier Construction in Gaza Faces Delays and Challenges
Delays in Gaza Pier Construction Due to Rough Seas: Pentagon Labels Project as "Extremely Challenging"
US Military's Humanitarian Pier in Gaza Faces Delays
Recent reports suggest that the US military's humanitarian pier under construction on the coast of Gaza is expected to be completed this weekend. However, the $320 million project has encountered a setback, as the Pentagon announced on Friday that the offshore assembly of the floating pier had to be "temporarily paused" due to adverse sea conditions in the eastern Mediterranean. Consequently, the projected completion date for this weekend seems unlikely.
Relocation of Construction to Port of Ashdod
The Pentagon stated that the partially built pier and the military vessels involved in its construction have been moved to the Port of Ashdod. Here, the assembly will continue and be completed before the pier is placed in its intended location when sea conditions improve. The US personnel constructing the pier have moved to Israel, and once the floating pier is completed, it will be transported by sea back to the northern Gaza coast to prepare for maritime aid deliveries.
The Purpose of the Pier
The pier is anticipated to facilitate "the delivery of large quantities of humanitarian aid from ship to shore by truck, with vehicles driving directly off ships and across the temporary pier to a marshaling yard ashore," according to the US military statement. However, the project has faced numerous challenges, including rough sea conditions that have impeded the work of personnel involved in building the pier. Furthermore, the operation of the pier and causeway will also depend on weather conditions.
Concerns Over Potential Attacks
Meanwhile, famine has struck parts of the Gaza Strip, according to USAID. There are also concerns that the completed pier and personnel could be targeted by Palestinian militants. These fears were heightened when Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin admitted for the first time during a House Armed Services committee hearing that US servicemen could be placed in harm's way during the construction of the project in Gaza.
US Troops Authorized to Retaliate if Attacked
Austin confirmed that the troops involved in the construction of the pier will be armed and authorized to retaliate if attacked. This admission comes after a delegation of UN officials visiting Gaza last week came under mortar fire from Palestinian militants. Hamas has also warned that any foreign military presence on Gaza soil will be attacked.
Debate Over "Boots on the Ground"
A tense exchange in Congress ensued regarding the potential risk to US servicemen. The debate focused on whether the presence of armed US servicemen in Gaza, potentially returning fire into Gaza, constituted "boots on the ground," a scenario President Biden had assured the country would not occur.
