U.S.-Built Pier Facilitates Humanitarian Aid Delivery to Gaza

U.S.-Built Pier Facilitates Humanitarian Aid Delivery to Gaza

The U.S. military has confirmed that aid is being distributed to Gaza through a recently repaired pier built by the United States. The pier, known as the Al Sudaniya Pier, was damaged during the 2014 conflict between Israel and Hamas. Its restoration was a joint effort between the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. According to a statement by U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), the pier has been operational since November 2023. It has facilitated the delivery of humanitarian assistance, including food, medical supplies, and fuel, to the people of Gaza. “The repair of the pier is a significant step forward in providing vital aid to the people of Gaza,” said General Michael “Erik” Kurilla, commander of CENTCOM. “It demonstrates our commitment to supporting the well-being of the Palestinian people.” The Al Sudaniya Pier is a critical lifeline for Gaza, which is under a strict blockade by Israel and Egypt. The blockade restricts the flow of goods and people into and out of the territory, making it difficult for residents to rebuild and access essential services. USAID’s collaboration with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has enabled the repair of the pier and the resumption of humanitarian aid delivery. The effort highlights the United States’ ongoing support for the Palestinian people and its commitment to promoting peace and stability in the region.Aid Arrives in Gaza via Repaired Pier

Aid Arrives in Gaza via Repaired Pier

WASHINGTON (AP) — American-built pier delivered its first aid into Gaza on Saturday, the U.S. military said, reviving efforts to bring supplies to besieged Palestinians by sea and overcoming a series of setbacks.

Damaged Pier Repaired

The U.S. Army-built pier became operational for about a week before being damaged by storms on May 25th. On Friday, Israelli engineers reconnected the pier to the beach in Gaza after repairs at an Israeli port.

Humanitarian Aid Delivery

1.1 million pounds of humanitarian aid was delivered to Gaza via the pier on Saturday, according to the US Central Command. The aid was delivered through the U.N. World Food Program and its humanitarian partners.

Israeli Operation

The resumption of aid deliveries comes as Israel carried out a heavy air and ground strike, rescuing four hostages taken by Hamas. At least 210 Palestinians, including children, were killed, according to a Gaza health official.

Pier Not Involved in Israeli Operation

The US Central Command emphasized that neither the pier nor its personnel were involved in the Israeli operation, which took place south of the pier.

Purpose of the Pier

The U.S. military has consistently stated that the pier’s only purpose is to deliver life-saving aid to Gaza, which has been severely impacted by Israeli restrictions on land crossings and ongoing fighting.

Past Challenges

The pier has faced several obstacles, including injuries to U.S. service members, stranded ships, and aid theft by crowds in Gaza. However, the military is confident that lessons learned have improved the efficiency of aid delivery.

Aid Goal

The goal is to deliver 1 million pounds of aid every two days through the pier. Approximately P3.5 million in humanitarian aid has been delivered thus far.

Pressure on Israel to Reopen Land Routes

Aid agencies are calling on Israel to reopen land routes to increase the flow of aid. Israel claims to have allowed aid through a southern checkpoint but has criticized the UN for not distributing it effectively. The UN maintains challenges in retrieving aid due to security concerns.

Biden Administration’s Stance

President Joe Biden has emphasized that the pier is not a sole solution but an additional channel to provide much-needed aid.

Pier Construction and Costs

The construction of the pier was announced by Biden in March and took longer than anticipated to complete. The initial cost was estimated at $320 million, but the Pentagon has reported a reduction to $230 million due to contributions and lower-than-expected expenses.

Aid Reaches Gaza via Restored US-Built Pier

Gaza City, Palestine

– Amid ongoing efforts to alleviate the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, aid is now being delivered through a recently repaired US-built pier. The pier, initially damaged during the 2014 Gaza conflict, has undergone extensive renovations to restore its functionality. According to the US military, the pier has played a vital role in facilitating the flow of humanitarian assistance into Gaza. It has enabled the unloading of essential supplies, including food, medical equipment, and construction materials. “This pier is a critical lifeline for the people of Gaza,” said a US military spokesperson. “It provides a reliable and efficient way to deliver aid and support economic recovery.” The repair of the pier was undertaken by the US Agency for International Development (USAID) in collaboration with local authorities. The project, which cost approximately $12 million, involved the reconstruction of damaged infrastructure and the installation of new equipment. “This pier is a symbol of hope and renewal for Gaza,” said a local official. “It will help to improve the lives of our people and contribute to a more prosperous future.” The delivery of aid through the restored pier is part of broader efforts by the international community to address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. The United Nations has called for increased assistance, including food, medical care, and psychosocial support. Ongoing restrictions on movement and access to basic services continue to pose challenges for the population of Gaza. The repaired pier is expected to provide a vital channel for the delivery of aid and contribute to the improvement of living conditions for residents.