A $230 million temporary pier constructed by the U.S. military, under orders by Joe Biden, for expediting humanitarian aid to Gaza has failed in its purpose, according to aid organizations. The structure, erected rapidly to alleviate supply shortages in the territory without technically requiring American military boots ‘on the ground,’ is now expected to cease operations far earlier than planned.
Since its installation a month ago, the pier has functioned for only approximately ten days. The remaining time has been spent on repairs following damage from rough seas, or it has been inactive due to security concerns and preventive detachment to avoid further harm. These issues have frequently limited its capacity to serve its humanitarian role.
Originally intended as a provisional solution, the pier was to support ongoing efforts by the Biden government to negotiate increased land route access for aid delivery into Gaza—considered a more effective method than the temporary sea-based route. The pier also provided a modicum of cover for the White House to claim it was not putting U.S. soldiers on the ground in Gaza as part of its humanitarian efforts. Nonetheless, due to the ongoing challenges, these modest objectives for the pier may not be realized, as some U.S. military officials acknowledged.
The construction of the pier began following Biden‘s order in March, amid significant criticism regarding his government’s response to the October 7 terrorist attacks by Hamas and the subsequent Israeli military actions. Initially, the Biden government projected the pier would remain usable until at least September, after which deteriorating sea conditions would render it inoperative. However, military officials are informing aid groups that the project will likely be dismantled as soon as the coming month.
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