In response to concerns over the fragility of the Joint Logistics over the Shore (JLOTS) system, the US military is contemplating temporarily dismantling the humanitarian pier in Gaza and moving it back to Israel. This decision comes just days after its aid delivery operations were resumed following repair work. According to multiple US officials, a final call on the matter will be made on Friday.

It is worth noting that this would mark the second time within a few weeks that the vulnerable pier and causeway system had to be relocated to the Israeli port of Ashdod. The previous incident occurred when heavy seas caused the structure to break apart, resulting in its necessary towing to Ashdod for extensive repair work that lasted over a week. Although the pier was subsequently returned to Gaza and operations resumed on Saturday, the unfavorable sea conditions on Monday and Tuesday forced another pause.

Since its establishment, the pier has facilitated the transportation of thousands of tons of aid into Gaza, playing a vital role in providing crucial assistance to the region. However, its functionality has repeatedly proven to be heavily reliant on favorable sea conditions. CNN previously reported on the pier's susceptibility to rough seas, and US officials have now confirmed that forecasts indicate turbulent waters expected on Friday and over the weekend.

Looking ahead, concerns about the realistic lifespan of the pier continue to mount, particularly as fall and winter approach, predicted to bring further deterioration in sea conditions across the eastern Mediterranean.

In addition to the challenges faced by the pier, the World Food Programme (WFP) has suspended its aid distribution operations for days. Consequently, aid has been accumulating in the staging area on the beach in Gaza, as revealed by officials earlier this week.

WFP Director Cindy McCain had already announced the halt of operations following the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) rescue mission in Gaza, which resulted in the release of four hostages held by Hamas but also led to the loss of countless Palestinian civilian lives. Disinformation began circulating, suggesting that the pier was associated with the operation, prompting concerns over the safety of WFP personnel.

Pausing operations at the pier, McCain stated her focus on ensuring the well-being of aid workers in the wake of recent incidents. As a result, a risk assessment is currently underway, encompassing a broader evaluation of the situation on the ground in Gaza. Given recent events near the pier involving IDF operations, a specific risk assessment will be conducted to determine the feasibility of resuming operations at the pier. The final decision will rest with the Department of Safety and Security and the humanitarian coordinator.

Humanitarian officials, while acknowledging the value of any assistance reaching Gaza, maintain that the pier is not a sustainable long-term solution. The Israeli government initially resisted opening additional land crossings for aid, relenting only under significant pressure from the US government. However, challenges with distribution within the Gaza strip persist, with humanitarian workers lacking an efficient deconfliction method to ensure their safety.

Hence, some officials within the humanitarian aid community view the pier as a costly distraction that fails to address the underlying structural problems hindering effective aid distribution in Gaza.