Amidst President Biden's grand vision for Middle East aid, a $320 million lifeline to Gaza hits unexpected turbulence, leaving a crucial floating pier shattered and hopes adrift.
Biden's Middle East Initiative Faces Setback as $320 Million Aid Pier Collapses
President Joe Biden's ambitious plan to aid Gaza, announced amidst much anticipation during the State of the Union address, has hit a snag. The Pentagon confirmed on Tuesday that the $320 million floating pier intended for Gaza has broken apart and will undergo dismantling and repairs for at least a week.
Deputy Pentagon Press Secretary Sabrina Singh briefed reporters, explaining that four U.S. Army vessels forming parts of the pier broke free due to a power loss last Saturday, ultimately washing ashore. Singh attributed the incident to adverse weather conditions, citing "high sea states" and a "North African weather system" as the culprits. While efforts were underway to recover the vessels, one had already been found near Ashkelon, with another expected to be retrieved within the next 24 hours. The remaining two were slated for recovery within 48 hours.
Singh clarified that in compliance with Biden's directive against having American personnel directly involved, no soldiers had disembarked onto the shore. She also disclosed that a segment of the pier anchored to the Gaza coast had detached, necessitating further repairs.
As a result, the Trident Pier would be relocated to Ashdod for repairs by U.S. Central Command, a process anticipated to last over a week. Singh emphasized the pier's significance in delivering aid to Gaza, despite its setbacks. She cited over 1,000 metric tons of aid successfully delivered thus far.
However, the endeavor was not without casualties, with three service members sustaining non-combat injuries during the mission. While two injuries were minor, one individual remained in critical condition.
Singh remained optimistic about the pier's future, expressing hopes that weather conditions would not pose further obstacles. She concluded by assuring that the pier would be reattached and operational, albeit with a cautionary eye on environmental factors.
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