US humanitarian maritime pier delivers aid to Gaza

WASHINGTON, The United States affirmed its commitment to continue working towards the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, despite the announcement of Department of Defense to cease operations of the floating pier built on Gaza's shores. "Our work is ongoing to address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, while this critical surge of assistance was desperately needed, the humanitarian needs on the ground are growing," the US Agency for International Development said on a statement on Wednesday. The agency also said that it continues to work through US government and with international humanitarian partners to surge assistance, particularly through critical land crossings. It emphasized that it is essential that all crossings remain open and operate at maximum capacity. "We continue to coordinate with multinational partners to facilitate the transportation of goods through maritime routes to Ashdod" it added. Yet, it warned that humanitarian needs in Gaza remain "staggering" with nearly the entire population in need o f food assistance, with the vast majority lacking access to clean water for several months. The US Agency for International Development emphasized the urgent need for a ceasefire to increase aid and release hostages. According to US government, since its inception in mid-May, the floating sea pier has transported nearly 19 million pounds of humanitarian aid, which equivalent of enough assistance to feed 450,000 people for one month. President Joe Biden announced the plan to establish floating pier in early march, however the pier faced several issues since it began operations in mid-May, affecting its ability to deliver aid to Gaza. The pier has been removed from Gaza's shores three times before, due to several issues related to hostile weather conditions, amid criticism of its repeated setbacks and performance below expectations. Source: Kuwait News Agency