The U.S. military’s humanitarian mission to aid Gaza has hit a snag, with operations set to pause due to technical and weather-related challenges, the Pentagon announced on Thursday. Despite efforts to re-anchor the pier, setbacks have plagued the mission since President Biden first introduced it four months ago.
Major General Patrick Ryder shared that U.S. troops attempted to reconnect the floating structure to Gaza’s shoreline, but encountered obstacles that forced them to return to the Israeli port of Ashdod. It remains uncertain if the mission will resume in the future, as concerns about sea conditions persist.
With a price tag of $230 million, the mission has sparked controversy in Washington, with some Democrats criticizing Biden’s approach to addressing the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. However, the operation, which has delivered 20 million pounds of aid since May, has been defended by administration officials as a necessary response to the ongoing war’s impact on civilians.
While distribution from the pier has been challenging, efforts are underway to move aid across Gaza through alternative routes. Despite setbacks, the U.S. Agency for International Development remains committed to delivering food and medicine to those in need.
Biden’s national security adviser, Jake Sullivan, emphasized the importance of ongoing aid efforts, stating that any increase in humanitarian goods reaching Gaza is considered a success. As plans to resume operations remain uncertain, the focus is on finding ways to support Palestinian civilians during this challenging time.
Despite past setbacks and damages caused by rough seas, officials are optimistic about the mission’s potential impact once operations can resume smoothly. With ongoing coordination with humanitarian groups and international partners, efforts to provide essential aid to Gaza continue, even in the face of adversity.
