Staff Reports
In March, the U.S. military embarked on the ambitious project of constructing a floating pier in Gaza. This endeavor was spurred by Joe Biden’s attempt to appease his radical left base, who were up in arms over the lack of aid reaching Gazans and Israel’s cautious approach to the situation.
Speculation runs rife as to why Israel has been slow in delivering aid to Gaza. Some suggest it may have to do with security concerns, with reports of weapons and explosives being discovered in aid shipments. Despite these reasons, the issue of Gazans suffering from starvation prompted Biden to take action.
NEW Lifespan of Biden’s $320 million pier:
May 17: Biden’s pier opens
May 21: “No aid from pier has been delivered to broader population”
May 28: Pier ops suspended after piece breaks off
June 8: U.S. resumes pier deliveries
TODAY: Pier to be torn down due to rough seas pic.twitter.com/Y9ATqyUOLU
— John Hasson (@SonofHas) June 14, 2024
For the hefty price tag of $230 million, Biden set in motion the construction of a floating pier off the Gaza coast. However, since its operation began on May 17, the dock has encountered many problems that the Biden administration should have anticipated.
One major issue that cropped up was the rampant looting of aid trucks as they disembarked from the pier. The lack of security measures for the trucks led to chaotic scenes, with desperate individuals descending on the supplies meant for distribution.
Exclusive video of Biden’s shoddy Gaza Pier (before it broke into pieces): pic.twitter.com/Xqyqjt7Ru4
— Kristina Wong 🇺🇸 (@kristina_wong) June 14, 2024
Although the United Nations pointed out the need for proper security protocols before proceeding, it seems this advice was overlooked in the rush to make a grand gesture. The operational hiccups of the pier have underscored its ineffectiveness in providing much-needed aid to the Palestinians in Gaza.
As a result of ongoing mishaps and the looming threat of rough seas, the decision was made to relocate the pier back to Ashdod, Israel, where it was initially assembled. This move was deemed necessary to ensure the pier’s ability to function reliably in the future.
Critics of the pier project, like Stephen Semler, have slammed its failure to assist Palestinians truly, suggesting it merely served as a facade for the Biden administration’s pro-Israel stance. The challenges faced by the pier have cast a shadow over Biden’s humanitarian efforts and disappointed top officials.
Despite the setbacks, the pier has managed to avoid being targeted in attacks. However, its frequent periods of inoperability raise questions about its effectiveness and the rationale behind pouring millions into a flawed initiative. The ongoing debate surrounding the pier’s involvement in an Israeli rescue mission only adds fuel to the fire of controversy.
Ultimately, the construction of the Gaza floating pier is yet another misstep in a series of blunders by the Biden administration. The exorbitant cost, logistical challenges, and lackluster outcomes have highlighted the short-sightedness of this endeavor, leaving many to question the true motivations driving such decisions.
