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U.S. officials announced Thursday that the man-made pier intended to facilitate the delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza will be dismantled due to persistent operational challenges.
Installed two months ago by the U.S. military, the floating infrastructure was initially hailed in Washington as a beacon of hope to alleviate humanitarian crises in Gaza. However, it has faced ongoing issues, underscoring a stark contrast to its optimistic launch.
"I expect that we will conclude the operations associated with this pier in a relatively short period of time," said Jake Sullivan, White House national security adviser, during a press briefing.
"The pier will soon cease operations," confirmed Pat Ryder, spokesperson for the U.S. Pentagon, pledging further details on the withdrawal process in the days ahead.
Costing $230 million, the artificial harbor proved susceptible to rough seas and has been repeatedly detached from Gaza's shore since its installation in mid-May. Damaged sections necessitated frequent towing to Israel's Ashdod port for repairs.
Efforts to reconnect the pier on Wednesday were unsuccessful due to technical and weather-related challenges, according to Ryder.
Meanwhile, Government Spokesman Constantinos Letymbiotis emphasized that the pier's removal does not hinder ongoing aid efforts. Alternative delivery methods are being planned, reaffirming continued support to Gaza despite technical challenges. The recent receipt of a mobile diagnostic machine from Italy underscores international collaboration in humanitarian efforts.
The decision to establish the artificial port was prompted by severe restrictions imposed by Israel on humanitarian aid deliveries to Gaza, its embattled Palestinian enclave reeling from nine months of conflict. The U.S., Israel's principal international ally, aimed to mitigate these restrictions with the pier's deployment.
