The U.S. military’s operation to establish a temporary maritime pier for delivering humanitarian aid to Gaza, initiated by President Joe Biden, was far more expensive and dangerous than initially reported, according to a new Pentagon Inspector General report.
The mission, aimed at addressing Gaza’s severe humanitarian crisis, incurred significant costs, numerous soldier injuries, and limited effectiveness, raising serious questions about both its planning and execution.
From the outset, the mission faced significant challenges: rough seas damaged the pier’s structure, vessels washed ashore, and accidents led to injuries and losses.
Key Findings of the Report
The Pentagon report details several critical shortcomings:
- High Injury Toll: Over 60 U.S. service members were injured during the operation, a sharp increase from initial reports of three non-combat injuries in May 2024. The report could not clarify whether the 62 injuries occurred on duty, during leave, or from pre-existing conditions. No fatalities or direct attacks on the pier were reported.
- Soaring Costs: The operation cost an estimated $230 million, far exceeding expectations. An additional $31 million was spent repairing over 24 damaged vessels and equipment.
- Limited Operational Time: The 1,200-foot floating pier, involving 1,000 U.S. troops, was operational for only about 20 days due to rough weather and distribution challenges within Gaza. It was repeatedly dismantled because of harsh sea conditions.
- Minimal Impact: The pier facilitated the delivery of 9,000 tons of food and supplies, which U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) called a “historic success.” However, this amount was negligible compared to Gaza’s needs, equivalent to the daily requirement of 500 aid trucks for its two million residents.
- Serious failures: the Army and Navy did not meet readiness standards, failed to properly organize or train forces, and the Transportation Command did not adequately plan or rehearse the mission. The military also neglected Gaza’s unique sea and coastal conditions.
Criticism and Context
Republicans in Congress labeled the pier a “political stunt” by Biden, while aid organizations criticized the U.S. and Israel for closing land border crossings, which could have delivered far greater aid volumes. These groups called the pier a “humanitarian spectacle” designed to appease Biden’s political base.
Biden announced the initiative during a March 2024 congressional address, despite early warnings about high waves and potential disruptions to diplomatic efforts to open land crossings.
The operation’s high cost and limited output have led many to question its value, especially as Gaza’s humanitarian crisis persists during the current war.
Makor Rishon contributed to this article.
