The Pentagon and USAID Inspectors General have initiated joint reviews of the US humanitarian mission to Gaza, focusing on challenges faced by the military's temporary pier. The pier, known as the Joint Logistics Over The Shore (JLOTS), has encountered difficulties such as breaking apart and aid distribution being halted due to security concerns.
The Defense Department IG will assess the effectiveness of DoD's efforts in facilitating humanitarian aid delivery through the maritime corridor. Meanwhile, the USAID IG will examine the agency's plans and controls over aid distribution, particularly the handoff to the World Food Programme.
The JLOTS pier, established in May on the Gaza coast, has had to be re-anchored twice due to adverse weather conditions. Congressional Republicans have criticized the pier as a waste of taxpayer dollars.
WFP's aid distribution from the pier has been paused for over two weeks as security assessments are conducted. The humanitarian situation in Gaza has worsened amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, with a high risk of famine reported.
US officials emphasize that the pier is a temporary solution to provide aid to Gaza and is not intended to replace critical land crossings. The DoD and USAID Inspectors General are collaborating to address challenges in the humanitarian mission.
DoD IG Storch highlighted the importance of oversight in enabling US humanitarian assistance to reach Gaza through the maritime corridor. USAID IG Martin assured independent and aggressive oversight of USAID-funded humanitarian programs in Gaza.
This coordinated review aims to offer transparency and timely insights into aid delivery via the maritime corridor, ensuring effective assistance to the vulnerable population in Gaza.
