The US military's temporary pier off the coast of Gaza has been repaired and reattached to the beach after sustaining damage in heavy seas last week. The pier, constructed to transport aid into Gaza, is expected to resume operations imminently, with the goal of delivering 500,000 pounds of aid initially. The pier, known as the Joint Logistics Over the Shore (JLOTS), requires optimal sea conditions to function and had already facilitated the delivery of 1,000 metric tons of aid before the damage occurred.
Despite facing challenges such as Hamas drones and looting on distribution routes, the US military has worked to ensure the safe movement of aid into Gaza. The pier's construction aims to address the deteriorating humanitarian situation in Gaza, where food insecurity is prevalent. In addition to food, other forms of aid such as shelter and medical care are also being delivered through the pier.
US officials plan to operate the pier for at least three months, with the long-term objective of transforming it into a permanent commercial operation accessible to various countries and non-governmental organizations. The US government, in collaboration with humanitarian partners, remains committed to ensuring the efficient and secure delivery of aid to the people of Gaza through multiple entry points, including land crossings and air drops.
