Due to high seas expected this weekend, U.S. Central Command (Centcom) has removed the temporary pier from its anchored position in Gaza and will tow it back to Ashdod, Israel, announced Sabrina Singh, deputy Pentagon press secretary, during a briefing today.
“The safety of our service members is a top priority, and temporarily relocating the pier will prevent potential structural damage caused by the heightened sea state,” Singh said.
Over the past seven days, Centcom delivered more than 4,500 metric tons of aid to the marshaling yard in Gaza. For historical context, the Defense Department delivered about 1,361 metric tons of aid to Japan over two months following the 2011 Tohoku earthquake and tsunami. The pier enabled the delivery of the second-highest volume of aid from any entry point into Gaza this past week.
Since May 17, Centcom has facilitated the delivery of over 8,831 metric tons of humanitarian aid to Gaza for distribution by humanitarian organizations. Despite the pier’s success, Singh emphasized that land routes remain the most effective method for delivering aid and urged for their reopening.
The pier could be redeployed to Gaza if sea conditions permit, Singh added.
Additionally, the amphibious assault ship USS Wasp entered the Mediterranean Sea on June 26 on a scheduled deployment to support allied and partner interests. The Wasp, along with the embarked 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, will be joined by the USS Oak Hill and the USS New York, forming the Wasp amphibious ready group. This group provides enhanced flexibility and capability to U.S. assets in the region.–News Desk