US officials hoping troubled Gaza aid pier can resume operations on Thursday

By Reuters 20 June 2024, 2:59 am 2 Edit

Trucks loaded with humanitarian aid from the United Arab Emirates and the United States Agency for International Development cross the Trident Pier before entering the beach in Gaza, May 17, 2024. (Staff Sgt. Malcolm Cohens-Ashley/US Army Central via AP)

WASHINGTON — The US military’s on-again, off-again floating pier in Gaza is expected to resume operations on Thursday to unload sorely needed humanitarian aid for Palestinians, two US officials tell Reuters.

The officials, who speak on condition of anonymity, say the pier was reattached to the shore on Wednesday after being temporarily removed last Friday due to poor sea conditions.

Aid began arriving via the U.S.-built pier on May 17, and the UN says it has transported 137 trucks of aid to warehouses, some 900 metric tons.

But then rough seas damaged the pier, forcing repairs, and poor weather and security considerations have limited the number of days it has been operational.

The US military estimates the pier will cost more than $200 million for the first 90 days and involve about 1,000 service members.

It is unclear how much longer it will be operational, though a New York Times report said it could be dismantled early next month.

Times of Israel staff contributed to this report.