In recent developments, the United States has announced that it will be shutting down its humanitarian aid pier in Gaza after facing numerous challenges since its construction in May. The pier, which cost $230 million and was intended to increase the amount of humanitarian aid getting into Gaza every day, has been plagued with issues such as looting and weather-related problems.
The decision to shut down the pier comes after national security advisor Jake Sullivan expressed his anticipation that operations would soon wind down. Sullivan noted that key border crossings have recently reopened during the Israel-Hamas war, making it more feasible to get aid around Gaza rather than through the pier.
Despite these challenges, nearly 20 million pounds of aid have been delivered through the pier since its operation began. However, mobs hijacking convoys and rough seas damaging the pier have caused significant setbacks.
The U.S. military attempted to re-anchor the pier on Wednesday but was unsuccessful due to technical and weather-related issues, leading to its return to Ashdod where it will remain for now.
The construction of the pier was met with criticism from some Republicans on Capitol Hill who considered it wasteful and politically motivated. However, the Pentagon hailed it as a critical part of the United States' effort to surge assistance into Gaza.
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