The US Army announced on Friday, May 3, 2024, that it has temporarily suspended the construction of the sea pier to deliver aid to the Gaza Strip due to adverse weather conditions, and instead will continue assembly work at the Israeli port of Ashdod.
Once completed, the sea pier off the coast of Gaza will be a means to expedite the entry of humanitarian aid into the region.
The Army stated, “Strong winds and high waves expected at sea are causing unsafe conditions for soldiers working on the incomplete pier.”
It added, “The unfinished pier and the military ships involved in its construction have been moved to Ashdod, where assembly work continues.”
The US Department of Defense (Pentagon) announced earlier this week that 50% of the pier has been completed.
Israel seeks to demonstrate that it is not obstructing aid to Gaza since US President Joe Biden issued a stern warning to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that Washington’s policy could change if Israel fails to take measures to mitigate harm to civilians and ensure the safety of relief workers.
American officials and relief organizations say some progress has been made, but it is not enough, amid dire warnings of an imminent famine among Gaza’s population of 2.3 million.
Since October 7 of last year, Israel has been waging a devastating war on the Gaza Strip, leaving tens of thousands of casualties, mostly children and women, as well as widespread and immense destruction of infrastructure and buildings, resulting in humanitarian disasters and crises.
Israel continues its war despite a United Nations Security Council resolution calling for an immediate ceasefire, and despite a request from the International Court of Justice for it to take immediate measures to prevent “genocide” and improve the humanitarian situation in Gaza.
