Humanitarian

Sea condition causes temporary closure of Gaza pier

The floating dock, constructed by the United States to facilitate the delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza, had recently resumed operations after a brief suspension over the weekend.

Kurdistan 24 Digital Media 2024/06/15 11:04

This image provided by U.S. Central Command, shows the U.S.-built floating pier being used to facilitate aid deliveries to the Gaza Strip, May 16, 2024. (Photo: AP)

Middle East Gaza Pier US Humanitarian Aid Israel-Hamas conflict Middle East

ERBIL (Kurdistan 24) – The US military is set to temporarily remove the humanitarian pier off the coast of Gaza in response to expected adverse sea conditions, a US official announced.

This decision marks the latest setback for an aid effort that has faced numerous challenges since the pier's construction in May.

The floating dock, constructed by the United States to facilitate the delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza, had recently resumed operations after a brief suspension over the weekend.

However, the official, who requested anonymity, indicated that the pier will likely be relocated to the Israeli port of Ashdod until sea conditions stabilize.

Aid deliveries began via the US military floating dock on May 17, with the United Nations reporting the transportation of 137 aid trucks, totaling approximately 900 tons, to warehouses. However, operations were halted on May 28 for necessary repairs.

As of Friday, the United Nations stated that it had not yet resumed the transfer of aid from the dock to the World Food Programme warehouses.

"Our security colleagues are still working to ensure that safe conditions for humanitarian work are re-established," said UN Deputy Spokesman Farhan Haq.

The establishment of the sea dock was part of a plan announced by US President Joe Biden in March, aimed at delivering aid amidst the looming threat of famine in Gaza during the conflict between Israel and armed Palestinian factions.