The U.S. Department of Defense (Pentagon) announced on Friday, June 28, 2024, the dismantling of the floating pier off the coast of Gaza amid expectations of high sea waves and bad weather.
Deputy Pentagon spokesperson Sabrina Singh stated in a press conference that “U.S. Central Command has dismantled the floating pier from its upright position in Gaza and will return it to Ashdod port in Israel due to expected high sea waves by the end of the weekend.”
Singh also mentioned that “temporarily moving the pier will prevent potential structural damage caused by the anticipated high sea waves,” adding that “Command will continue to assess the sea conditions throughout the weekend.”
She further elaborated, “There is no specific timeline for rebuilding the pier.”
Singh noted that “over 8,831 metric tons of humanitarian aid have been delivered since the pier began operations on May 17.”
Earlier, unnamed U.S. officials told CNN hours ago that “the United States dismantled the floating pier off the coast of Gaza for the third time, amid expectations of high waves and bad weather since its operation began six weeks ago.”
On March 8, President Joe Biden announced the decision to establish a temporary sea pier to deliver food and aid to Palestinians, amidst stringent Israeli restrictions on aid access via land crossings.
Operations for the floating pier began on May 17, but about a week later, it sustained damage from waves, necessitating its dismantling and relocation to Ashdod for repairs.
On June 7, U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) stated it had repaired and reconnected the Gaza floating pier to the shore.
On Monday, Gaza’s government media office director Ismail al-Thawabta accused Israel of using the floating pier “to prepare and launch security and military missions,” including the “massacre crime at the Nusseirat camp” on June 8, which resulted in the deaths of 274 Palestinians.
On June 10, the Pentagon denied Israel’s use of the floating pier during its operation to free four captives from Nusseirat camp, a claim Gaza authorities reject.
The initial cost of the pier was estimated at $320 million, but the Pentagon stated it decreased to $230 million due to contributions from the United Kingdom and lower-than-expected contract costs for trucks and other equipment.
Since October 7 last year, Israel has waged a devastating war on Gaza with unconditional U.S. support, resulting in nearly 124,000 Palestinian deaths and injuries, along with thousands missing.
Israel continues its war despite two UN Security Council resolutions demanding an immediate halt and International Court of Justice orders to end the invasion of Rafah city in southern Gaza, take measures to prevent “genocide,” and improve the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza.
