Already a subscriber? Make sure to log into your account before viewing this content. You can access your account by hitting the “login” button on the top right corner. Still unable to see the content after signing in? Make sure your card on file is up-to-date.
Two government watchdog agencies have announced they are launching a “coordinated” and “independent” oversight review related to the Defense Department’s efforts to get humanitarian aid into Gaza through a maritime corridor. This corridor, crucial for delivering aid, has faced operational challenges since it was announced after President Biden’s State of the Union address.
The Office of the Inspector General (OIG) for the Pentagon, along with the OIG for the US Agency for International Development (USAID), is spearheading this review to examine the humanitarian aid mission’s effectiveness and “key aspects.” This phased review will initially focus on the Pentagon’s responsibilities and management, followed by an assessment of the implementation phase.

Defense Department Inspector General Robert Storch stressed the importance of this collaborative effort, stating, “Through our collaboration, we will leverage the unique expertise, resources, and capabilities of our teams to optimize our oversight in this important area.” The USAID OIG will concentrate on the distribution of food aid to the United Nations’ World Food Programme, while the Pentagon’s OIG will assess the military’s role in facilitating aid delivery.
USAID also plays a crucial role in this humanitarian effort, coordinating with the UN and other organizations to ensure aid reaches those in need. USAID Inspector General Paul Martin highlighted the importance of their review, saying, “This initial review, in coordination with DoD OIG, will provide timely insight and transparency over the delivery of assistance via the maritime corridor.”

How it works:
The pier receives shipments from Cyprus, with US military boats transferring the goods to Gaza’s shore with the help of the United Nations and relief groups. US personnel do not set foot in Gaza, relying instead on contractors and Israel’s military for all ground support.
The aid delivery process faces additional challenges due to security measures and checkpoints imposed by Israel, which have slowed the entry of trucks carrying essential supplies. Congressional critics have labeled the pier project as wasteful, questioning its efficacy amid ongoing operational difficulties and political scrutiny.