US military temporarily removes Gaza aid pier for repairs after structure brakes off in rough seas

US military is temporarily removing the humanitarian aid pier off Gaza's coast after the structure broke off, as per a statement by the Pentagon on Tuesday (May 28).

This comes as a section of the pier had detached and repairs to the pier are necessary before Washington continues to deliver the critical aid to Gazans.

"Over the next 48 hours, US forces will remove the pier from its anchored position on the coast and tow it back to the Israeli coastal city of Ashdod to begin repairs,"Pentagon spokesperson Sabrina Singh said.

This floating pier, part of the Joint Logistics Over-the-Shore (JLOTS) operation, was first announced on March 8 after President Joe Biden tasked the military with leading a temporary humanitarian aid mission.

Also Read |Israel denies attack in Rafah evacuation area that killed 21, US says no change in policy

It became operational on May 17 and costs an estimated $320 million for the first 90 days and involves about 1,000 US service members.

Pentagon spokesperson Singh outlined the repair timeline saying, "Centcom anticipates repairs to the pier to take approximately one week."

Vessels ran aground

The necessity for repairs arose after rough seas on May 25 caused three of the four vessels associated with the pier to run aground. In addition to this, the harsh sea conditions and a North African weather system caused part of the trident pier to detach from its anchored position.

Also Read |Trump hush money trial day 21: Key points as closing arguments come to end

However, Singh highlighted the pier's importance in aid delivery during the ongoing Israel-Hamas war.

"The pier proved highly valuable in delivering aid to the people of Gaza. Thus, upon completion of the pier repair and reassembly, the intention is to re-anchor the temporary pier to the coast of Gaza and resume humanitarian aid to the people who need it most," she said.

Watch |South Africa Elections 2024: African National Congress put to test

In a relief to the people in need amid the dire circumstances, over 1,000 metric tonnes of aid hasalready been delivered with the help of the pier.

However, Washington reiterated that no American boots would be on the ground in Gaza.

Reflecting on the broader mission, Singh added, "It's pretty important for the people that are suffering right now — that are in a dire humanitarian situation — to get whatever aid they can, by whatever means... We want to do everything possible to help; and it is our forces — our men and women — who are running toward the problem and doing everything they can to find a solution."

(With inputs from agencies)