A truck carries humanitarian aid across Trident Pier, a temporary pier to deliver aid, off the Gaza Strip, amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, near the Gaza coast, June 25, 2024. REUTERS/Amir Cohen/File Photo
House Armed Services Committee Chairman Mike Rogers has formally requested that the Biden administration cease the operation of the U.S. aid pier off the Gaza coast, citing concerns over its effectiveness, risk, and cost.
Background
The offshore floating pier was announced by President Biden in March as a response to potential famine in the Gaza Strip. Constructed by the U.S. military, the pier was designed to facilitate the delivery of food and other aid supplies. Initially authorized to operate until the end of July, a U.S. Agency for International Development official recently indicated that the administration might seek an extension for at least another month.
Chairman’s Position
In a letter addressed to White House National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, and Secretary of State Antony Blinken, Rogers urged the administration to “immediately cease this failed operation before further catastrophe occurs” and to consider alternative methods for humanitarian aid delivery by land and air. This letter marks Rogers’ first formal written communication to the administration on this matter, although he has previously voiced opposition to the pier.
Operational Challenges
The pier operation began on May 17, aiming to deliver aid to Gaza, where nearly all of the 2.3 million residents have been displaced due to Israel’s campaign against Hamas. However, the pier has faced significant challenges, including damage from rough seas and limited operational days due to poor weather. Consequently, a substantial portion of the delivered supplies remains undistributed.
Operational Data
According to Rogers, the Joint Logistics Over the Shore (JLOTS) system had been operational for only about ten days as of June 19, moving 3,415 metric tons of supplies onto the beach in Gaza. U.S. military data as of Tuesday indicated that 8,332 pallets had been delivered via the pier, with approximately 84% awaiting distribution by the United Nations.
Security and Cost Concerns
The World Food Programme paused deliveries earlier this month due to security concerns. Reuters, granted access to the U.S. military-run pier on Tuesday, observed the complex nature of the operation, which involves about 1,000 U.S. military personnel and is estimated to cost $230 million for the first 90 days.
Injuries and Conclusion
Rogers also highlighted that three U.S. servicemembers had sustained non-combat injuries during the operation. He reiterated his call for the administration to terminate the pier operation and explore alternative aid delivery methods.
Formal Request
As the chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, Rogers’ formal request necessitates a response from Pentagon officials, given the committee’s oversight responsibilities.
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