Washington, D.C. – As tensions escalate in Gaza, militants launched mortars at Israeli forces as they prepared for the arrival of a floating U.S. Army pier dispatched to facilitate the delivery of humanitarian aid. The incident highlights the vulnerabilities of the mission, according to U.S. officials.
The attack targeted a “marshaling area” for the pier, causing minimal damage. Major General Patrick Ryder, a Pentagon spokesman, confirmed that the U.S. ships involved in the operation remain offshore and out of mortar range. The pier, constructed by U.S. troops, is expected to be operational by early May.
President Biden announced the deployment of the pier during his State of the Union address in March. With concerns growing about starvation in the war-torn region and Israeli officials hesitant to allow more food into Gaza, Biden pledged to open a “maritime corridor” via the Mediterranean Sea using the temporary floating pier.
While U.S. troops will not be deployed inside Gaza, security analysts have raised concerns about potential threats, such as speedboats with explosives, divers carrying mines, and incoming rockets. Gen. Charles Q. Brown Jr., chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, expressed confidence in security efforts for the pier, emphasizing collaboration with Israeli military forces and other nations.
Senator Roger Wicker, the Senate Armed Services Committee’s top Republican, criticized the mission, calling it “ill-conceived” following news of the mortar attack. Wicker voiced concerns about intensifying risks to Americans and urged President Biden to reconsider the project to prevent harm to U.S. troops.
Despite security measures in place, experts warn of potential disruptions to the aid mission. Mark Cancian, a senior adviser with the Center for Strategic and International Studies, highlighted the risks associated with attacks on the pier system. Mortars, though not very accurate, pose a threat that could potentially halt the delivery of humanitarian assistance.
As the operation progresses, U.S. military officials work to ensure the safe delivery of aid to Gaza. With thousands of Israeli soldiers, navy ships, and air force aircraft involved in security measures, the mission faces challenges that could impact the flow of aid. Despite these challenges, efforts are ongoing to mitigate risks and maintain the delivery of critical support to those in need in Gaza.