A total waste of American taxpayer dollars. But that is what we get with President Biden in charge. All the man does is the wrong thing, in all ways.
The Pentagon and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Inspector Generals have initiated comprehensive reviews concerning the US humanitarian efforts in Gaza, especially focusing on the issues faced by the military’s temporary pier. The reviews aim to assess the effectiveness of the Department of Defense’s strategies in delivering aid via a maritime corridor and USAID’s procedures for managing aid distribution, particularly the transfer of supplies to the World Food Programme.
On Gaza pier, US troops confront waves, destruction and aid backlog – U.S. troops are dealing with the challenges of delivering aid to Gaza from a floating pier in the Mediterranean Sea.
· U.S. troops are stationed on a floating pier aimed at boosting humanitarian aid delivery… pic.twitter.com/Zvmwh8XLhk
— Last24Report (@Last24Report) June 26, 2024
This scrutiny comes after repeated disruptions at the pier known as Joint Logistics Over The Shore (JLOTS). Established in May on the Gaza coast, the pier required re-anchoring due to it breaking apart amid rough seas shortly after its installation, and again later to prepare for additional rough conditions. These operational challenges have sparked criticism from some members of Congress, labeling the project as inefficient and a misuse of funds. Representative Mike Rogers and Senator Roger Wicker have both expressed strong opposition, highlighting the frequent operational setbacks and questioning the overall rationale behind the initiative.
The World Food Programme has also had to temporarily halt the distribution of aid from the pier, extending over two weeks, to evaluate ongoing security issues. This pause comes at a time when the humanitarian crisis in Gaza is intensifying amidst the conflict between Israel and Hamas. Recent reports have raised alarms about a looming famine risk and escalating food insecurity in the area.
Humanitarian aid pallets move from the US-built pier to Gaza’s coast as the Israel-Hamas war continues in the besieged strip. #Israel #Gaza
Read more: https://t.co/S4XS6M2Ud1 pic.twitter.com/vP8sLkarGk
— Al Arabiya English (@AlArabiya_Eng) June 26, 2024
In response to the situation, U.S. officials have reiterated that the pier serves as a temporary solution intended to supplement, not replace, the land crossings crucial for delivering aid. Both the DoD and USAID Inspector Generals, Robert P. Storch and Paul K. Martin respectively, have emphasized their commitment to enhancing oversight and effectiveness in delivering humanitarian aid through this maritime channel, ensuring it reaches those in dire need in Gaza. They assure that their collaborative efforts are designed to optimize the delivery process and maintain transparency about the use of funds and the logistics involved in this critical humanitarian operation.
Major Points
- The Pentagon and USAID Inspectors General have initiated reviews of the US humanitarian mission in Gaza, focusing on the effectiveness and management of the military’s temporary pier.
- The pier, known as Joint Logistics Over The Shore (JLOTS), faced structural issues and had to be re-anchored twice due to severe weather conditions.
- Congressional critics, including Rep. Mike Rogers and Sen. Roger Wicker, have labeled the project a waste of taxpayer money and called for its immediate cessation due to frequent operational failures.
- The World Food Programme paused aid distribution from the pier for over two weeks to assess security concerns, amid worsening humanitarian conditions in Gaza.
- US officials emphasize that the pier is a temporary measure aimed at bolstering aid delivery, with oversight by the DoD and USAID Inspectors General to ensure effective and transparent operation.
Fallon Jacobson – Reprinted with permission of Whatfinger News
