The Defense Department announced today that efforts are underway to recover three out of four vessels associated with its temporary humanitarian aid pier in Gaza. The vessels, part of U.S. Central Command’s Joint Logistics, Over-the-Shore capability, ran aground on May 25 due to rough seas.
Deputy Pentagon Press Secretary Sabrina Singh reported that the vessels, essential for stabilizing the trident pier, lost power, broke free from their anchors, and beached ashore. One Army vessel near Ashkelon has been recovered, with the second expected to be retrieved within 24 hours. The remaining two vessels near the trident pier are anticipated to be recovered in the next 48 hours, with assistance from the Israeli Navy.
Singh emphasized that no U.S. troops are being deployed on the ground in Gaza, which does not impede the recovery efforts.
The high sea states and a North African weather system also damaged a portion of the trident pier, detaching it from its anchored position on the Gaza coastline. Over the next 48 hours, U.S. forces will remove the pier and tow it to Ashdod, Israel, for repairs.
Despite the setbacks, the pier has been vital for delivering aid to Gaza. Once repaired, it will be re-anchored to continue its mission. So far, over 1,000 metric tons of aid have been distributed to Palestinians.
Humanitarian aid is currently being loaded in Cyprus for transport to Gaza, ready to be deployed once the pier is operational again.
The temporary pier, operational since May 17, was initiated by President Joe Biden on March 8. Singh expressed optimism about the pier’s durability despite recent weather challenges.
Singh highlighted the pier’s significance in providing aid to those in need and reiterated the importance of continuing these efforts, noting that repairs are expected to take about a week.–News Desk