The Biden administration’s $230 million humanitarian pier, built off the coast of Gaza to address the ongoing humanitarian crisis, has been shut down after just 20 days of operation. The project, a joint effort between the Department of Defense and the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), was met with criticism from both Republicans and Democrats, with some even labeling it a “national embarrassment.”
The pier, designed to deliver aid to Gaza, was plagued by issues from the outset. Strong winds and rough seas repeatedly damaged the structure, while attempts to distribute aid were met with hostile actors seeking to loot incoming shipments. Despite these challenges, the White House maintains that the pier played a significant role in delivering aid to the war-torn region.
An internal report from the Office of the Inspector General at USAID revealed that multiple agency officials initially raised concerns about the pier project, arguing that it could undermine broader efforts to persuade Israel to open more efficient land corridors for aid delivery. However, the report noted that once President Biden issued the directive, USAID focused on using the pier as effectively as possible.
Criticism of the project extended beyond the pier’s functionality. Republicans, in particular, were vocal in their opposition. Rep. Pat Fallon (R-Texas), a member of the House Armed Services Committee, told Fox News Digital in March that Biden was likely motivated by a desire to win back support from Muslim-American voters in Michigan ahead of the upcoming election. Other Republican critics raised concerns about the safety of American troops involved in the project.
Despite the criticisms, the White House insists that the pier achieved its purpose, delivering approximately 20 million pounds of food and water to Gaza, a volume of aid the DOD had never previously delivered in the Middle East. While acknowledging the difficulties faced, the Biden administration maintains that the pier played a vital role in addressing the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza.
The closure of the pier, however, highlights the complexities and challenges of providing aid to the besieged territory, and the project’s ultimate failure raises questions about the effectiveness of the Biden administration’s approach to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
