WASHINGTON D.C. - Humanitarian aid deliveries to the Gaza Strip resumed on Saturday after a US-built pier was repaired, according to the U.S. Central Command.
The pier, which sustained damage during heavy seas in late May, was operational for only about a week before it broke apart. Repairs were completed at an Israeli port and the section of the pier was reconnected to the beach in Gaza on Friday.
Approximately 1.1 million pounds (492 metric tons) of humanitarian aid, including food and medical supplies, was delivered through the pier on Saturday.
The U.S. military had initially estimated that the operating cost for the Joint Logistics Over-the-Shore (JLOTS) system would be around $320 million. However, due to contributions from Britain and lower contracting costs, the final cost is expected to come in under $320 million at approximately $230 million.
The pier's reestablishment is expected to allow for the continued delivery of humanitarian aid into Gaza in the coming days. However, challenges remain, including logistical issues such as sea and weather conditions and planning around Israeli military operations in Rafah.
Despite these challenges, Vice Adm. Brad Cooper emphasized that the U.S. remains committed to providing aid to those in need.
The pier's initial operation was disrupted by crowds overrunning a convoy of trucks and stripping cargo before it could reach a UN warehouse, causing early efforts to be delayed.
In addition, three U.S. service members were injured and four vessels were beached during the initial week of operations due to heavy seas.
The U.S. military has faced criticism for the slow delivery of aid into Gaza, with human rights groups describing living conditions in the territory as 'unspeakable' and warning of a potential famine.
While Israeli officials have insisted there is no limit on the amount of aid that can enter Gaza, UN reports accuse authorities of imposing 'unlawful restrictions' on relief operations, including blocked land routes, communications blackouts and air strikes.
The US has made a number of air drops of humanitarian aid into Gaza in partnership with the Royal Jordanian Air Force. However, these were suspended in recent weeks due to military operations in the north of Gaza. Air drops are expected to resume 'in the coming days,' according to Vice Adm. Brad Cooper.
IDF soldiers also secured the US humanitarian pier and conducted intelligence-based, targeted operations in Rafah, locating weaponry and terror tunnel shafts.
