Closure of Gaza Humanitarian Pier Amid Aid Distribution Issues

The U.S. military's humanitarian pier off the coast of Gaza will soon cease operations due to bad weather and aid distribution problems. Though intended as a temporary measure, the pier facilitated the delivery of over 8,100 metric tons of aid. However, security concerns and operational hurdles have hindered its effectiveness. Aid delivery will shift to land routes and potentially to the Israeli port of Ashdod.

The U.S. military's humanitarian pier off the coast of Gaza, hampered by adverse weather and distribution challenges, is set to shut down soon, according to President Joe Biden's administration.

Plans for the pier, initially announced by Biden in March amid looming famine in Gaza, aimed to streamline aid deliveries. Despite bringing in 8,100 metric tons of aid since May, the 1,200-foot-long floating pier faced repeated removals due to bad weather.

While the U.N. World Food Programme halted operations in June over security concerns, the Pentagon's Air Force Major General Patrick Ryder confirmed the military's unsuccessful attempt to re-anchor the pier. The focus now shifts to land routes and the Israeli port of Ashdod for aid distribution.

(With inputs from agencies.)