In breaking news, the US military will be temporarily dismantling the humanitarian pier off the coast of Gaza and moving it back to Israel on Friday night, as reported by multiple US officials and US Central Command. This decision comes amid concerns that heavy seas could once again break the pier just days after aid delivery operations resumed.
This marks the second time in recent weeks that the Joint Logistics over the Shore (JLOTS) system had to be moved back to the Israeli port of Ashdod due to safety concerns. Aid operations across the pier will be suspended until sea conditions allow for it to be moved back into place.
According to officials, humanitarian aid deliveries continued on Friday across the pier, with plans for it to be detached and towed to Ashdod late Friday night local time. CENTCOM issued a statement saying, “The decision to temporarily relocate the pier is not made lightly but is necessary to ensure the temporary pier can continue to deliver aid in the future.”
Since May 17, over 3,500 metric tons (7.7 million pounds) of aid have been delivered through the maritime corridor for onward delivery by humanitarian organizations in Gaza. Despite logistical issues, the pier has been successful in moving thousands of tons of aid into the region.
However, concerns have been raised about the pier’s sustainability as rough seas in the eastern Mediterranean are expected to worsen with fall and winter approaching. The World Food Programme’s aid distribution operations at the pier have been suspended for days, leading to aid piling up on the beach in Gaza.
The WFP is currently conducting a risk assessment, following operations by the Israel Defense Forces near the pier during a hostage rescue operation. The US military has emphasized that the mission is purely humanitarian and not connected to any military operations.
Once the WFP assessment is completed, the United Nations’ Department of Safety and Security and the humanitarian coordinator will decide whether to resume operations at the pier. Humanitarian officials stress that while the pier has been helpful, it is not a long-term sustainable solution for aid delivery into Gaza.
CNN had previously reported on Thursday that the US military was considering dismantling the pier, and additional details have been added to this developing story.