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The Pentagon has confirmed that the US military pier used near Gaza to transport humanitarian aid will cease operations.

In a statement, Vice Admiral Brad Cooper said, “The maritime surge mission involving the pier is complete, so there’s no more need to use the pier. The temporary pier has achieved its intended effect. Now that that maritime surge mission was successful, it’s now transitioning from a temporary pier in Gaza to a port in Ashdod, Israel.”

The pier, known as Joint Logistics Over-the-Shore (JLOTS), was crucial in delivering over a million pounds of aid to Gaza amidst ongoing conflict. Initially announced during President Joe Biden’s State of the Union address, the JLOTS operation aimed to provide an alternative route for humanitarian aid to Gaza, where millions face severe hunger due to the ongoing war.

Some Major Issues:
Despite its goal of providing food to millions, the pier has encountered significant operational challenges. According to the Pentagon, adverse weather and security concerns forced the dismantling of the pier, leaving hundreds of thousands of pounds of food stranded on the beach for days. This has led to multiple inspector general investigations into the pier’s operations, with both USAID and the Pentagon conducting separate reviews.

The Pentagon initially estimated the cost of the pier at $320 million but later revised it to approximately $230 million due to lower-than-expected expenses. The operation involved around 1,000 American troops, with three service members sustaining injuries during its course.