Humanitarian aid began entering the Gaza Strip from southern Israel on Sunday following damage to a U.S.-built “floating pier” caused by rough seas. The pier, constructed at a cost of $320 million, was designed to facilitate the delivery of aid but was temporarily rendered inoperative after weather conditions detached four stabilizing vessels.
With the floating pier compromised, aid is now being routed through Israel’s Kerem Shalom crossing. The decision comes amidst disagreements with Egypt, which has closed its side of the Rafah crossing after Israel took control of the Gaza side. Egypt has stated it will not reopen the crossing until control is handed back to the Palestinians.
Despite the new route, United Nations workers report difficulties accessing the aid due to ongoing heavy fighting near the Kerem Shalom crossing. The urgency of aid delivery has increased following the damage to the floating pier, which had been a crucial conduit for humanitarian supplies.
The U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed that two of the vessels that broke free were beached in Ashdod, Israel, while the other two remained anchored near the damaged pier. The Israeli Navy is assisting in recovery efforts. Despite the setback, CENTCOM reported that the pier remains operational.
The temporary floating pier, situated just north of Rafah, was established to expedite the delivery of food and supplies to Gaza amidst Israel’s ongoing conflict with Hamas. Approximately 569 metric tons of aid have been transferred via the pier since its construction, but none had reached the Palestinian population as of last week, according to Pentagon officials.
The humanitarian situation in Gaza remains dire, with about half of the population, or roughly 1.1 million people, facing catastrophic hunger levels according to the World Food Programme. Aid distribution is crucial as Israel’s military operations and border closures have severely restricted the flow of supplies.
In a recent development, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi agreed in a phone call with U.S. President Joe Biden to temporarily allow aid truck deliveries through the Rafah crossing. This agreement aims to alleviate some of the humanitarian pressures facing Gaza.
The U.S. and Israeli efforts to recover the damaged vessels and maintain aid flow highlight the complexities of delivering humanitarian aid in conflict zones. The incident underscores the need for robust and flexible logistics systems capable of withstanding adverse conditions.
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