Biden's $230M Humanitarian Pier Faces Major Setbacks

Despite internal warnings and significant challenges, President Joe Biden approved a $230 million temporary pier in Gaza to deliver humanitarian aid, which was operational for only 20 days due to rough weather and security issues. The USAID staff had expressed that land crossings were more efficient for delivering aid, but the Biden administration proceeded, aiming to feed 500,000 people per month for three months. Ultimately, the pier only managed to feed 450,000 people for one month before being decommissioned. The project faced criticism for detracting from efforts to open land routes and for being ineffective and wasteful. Security concerns, including looting and attacks on aid convoys, further hindered aid distribution. Despite the shortcomings, administration officials maintain that the pier had a meaningful impact during a critical time.