In a series of setbacks, the United States has once again suspended operations of the troubled humanitarian pier to Gaza due to anticipated heavy seas and bad weather, according to two US officials. This marks the third time that the pier has been halted since its construction six weeks ago.

The purpose of the pier was to provide much-needed aid to civilians who are suffering amidst the ongoing Israel-Hamas war, particularly when land crossings are frequently closed. However, the pier will now be towed back to the Ashdod port in southern Israel on Friday until calmer conditions prevail. The officials, however, remained uncertain about the duration of the disconnection.

This latest setback comes just two days after GOP Representative Mike Rogers, chair of the House Armed Services Committee, sent a letter to senior Biden administration officials expressing his concerns. Rogers described the temporary pier as a "gross waste of taxpayer dollars," highlighting its repeated setbacks and operational limitations.

Even earlier this month, GOP Senator Roger Wicker, ranking member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, had called for an immediate end to the humanitarian pier, citing its poor performance.

To mitigate the risk of damage in bad weather, this is the second time the pier has been intentionally disconnected as a precautionary measure. A week after its operations began in May, the pier suffered damage in heavy seas, necessitating its tow to Ashdod for repairs.

Despite these setbacks, the humanitarian pier has managed to deliver significant aid to Gaza. One official reported that since its anchoring in May, a total of 8,831 metric tons (19.4 million pounds) of humanitarian relief has been delivered. However, due to the temporary suspension of distribution by the World Food Programme, more than 6,000 pallets of aid are currently piled up on the beach awaiting distribution.

The conversation surrounding the establishment of a maritime corridor to bring aid into Gaza started in late October last year, following the attack by Hamas and subsequent Israeli offensive. The White House explored various options, including the feasibility of the temporary pier, which was initially considered too risky due to weather conditions and ongoing Israeli Defense Forces operations. The idea was revisited in January and February as the need for humanitarian aid became increasingly urgent.

Announced in March by President Joe Biden during his State of the Union address, the construction of the temporary pier off the coast of Gaza was swiftly underway, with US Army watercraft departing the United States within days.

Despite the current setbacks, efforts to provide essential aid to Gaza continue, with hopes that the pier will soon resume operations and facilitate the much-needed relief for the suffering populace.