The United States Military is at the moment contemplating dismantling the humanitarian pier it built off the coast of Gaza for a second time due to rough sea conditions. The structure known as Joint Logistics over the Shore (JLOTS) might however be moved back into Israel on Friday to avoid damage that could result from heavy seas, CNN reported.
This therefore would be a second occasion in recent weeks when the delicate pier and causeway system had to transfer to Israeli port of Ashdod.
The US-built pier which aims to supply foodstuffs to Gaza faces yet another significant challenge. Its humanitarian partner is uncertain about whether it will still be able to deliver supplies safely and ethically through its sea route or not.
The United Nations, which supplies most aid within Gaza has suspended operations with the pier following an operation on June 8 in which four hostages were saved by Israeli security forces while over 270 Palestinians died.
Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari who spoke as an Israeli military spokesman gave further details of how the operations went down. “After they attacked, instead of going back through a land border like they came in,” Hagari explained and added:
“Instead, they sped toward the beach and the site of the US aid hub on Gaza’s coast.” According to reports from both US and Israeli military, an Israeli helicopter then landed near the US-built pier where hostages were being evacuated along with one injured commando.
The raid was carried out in vicinity of but without using the US Pier by Israel and USA; this was their response when asked if it happened there.
In May 25 earlier this year high winds and heavy seas damaged pier. As a result four U.S army vessels ran aground injuring three service members one critically so. A part of floating dock had to be taken away during subsequent repairs causing two-week interruption for this facility’s activities.
