The Biden administration faces criticism for jeopardizing the safety of approximately 1,000 American troops during an aid delivery mission to Gaza via a temporary floating pier.
Around 1,000 American troops are involved in attaching a floating pier to Gaza's coast, which went operational on May 17 but broke apart on May 25 due to heavy seas. Internal sources reveal significant risks to troops amid claims of prioritizing photo opportunities over their safety.
An exclusive report from Breitbart News revealed that despite the Biden administration's insistence that the operation is a success, the troops endure daily gunfire and mortar attacks. They must wear tactical vests and hastily unload aid from boats while also preparing aid trucks for photos.
Over 2,000 metric tons of aid have been delivered via the pier. Troops work long shifts, ranging from 12 to 48 hours, with minimal sleep, leading to accidents, including a serious injury to one service member now in critical condition. Two others have sustained minor injuries, and daily injuries reportedly go unaddressed.
Troops face inadequate meals, lack of regular showers, and insufficient laundry facilities. Initially deployed in mid-March with an expected return by the end of May, the troops now face an uncertain return date. A military spouse has started a petition to bring them home.
The floating pier is a daily target for gunfire and mortar attacks. Troops have slept in tents on an Israeli pier due to bad weather. Experienced Army Mariners warned about the pier's vulnerability to weather, but these warnings were ignored, resulting in significant damage.
The U.N. World Food Programme has suspended its operations distributing aid from the pier due to safety concerns. Retired Israeli Defense Force Brig. Gen. Amir Avivi has criticized the operation as a photo-op and an unnecessary risk. Deputy Defense Secretary Sabrina Singh has stated that despite these issues, there is no change to how the Joint Logistics Over-the-Shore (JLOTS) mission will operate. The operation continues under close monitoring of weather conditions.
One U.S. source involved in the mission highlighted the constant threats, saying, "It’s all day and night nonstop." Concerns have been raised about the priorities of command leadership. A source stated, "I just feel like priorities of a command sergeant major and brigade commander are not in the right places."
Another source emphasized the ignored warnings, noting, "Army Mariners and Warrant Officers who know the Army watercraft field and capabilities of the equipment warned the generals and field grade officers." Singh acknowledged the potential for halting operations temporarily due to weather but reiterated the mission's urgency in delivering aid.
Navy Vice Admiral Brad Cooper expressed urgency in the mission, stating, "We anticipate that our goal will be to deliver 500,000 pounds over the beach initially and then wrap that up soon thereafter." The administration aims to ensure the aid reaches Gaza despite the risks involved.
The mission has also faced scrutiny over its costs and effectiveness. Singh mentioned that costs could fluctuate based on the mission's length. The Biden administration's approach has been questioned for prioritizing photo opportunities over the safety and well-being of the troops.
Retired Israeli Defense Force Brig. Gen. Amir Avivi suggested alternative methods for delivering aid, stating, "It’s easier to simply bring the aid trucks to the crossing points and have them delivered to Gaza from there." The operation continues amidst growing concerns and calls for reassessment, with no clear end date in sight.
The Biden administration's Gaza aid operation has drawn criticism for endangering troops' safety. The mission's success claims are under scrutiny with operational difficulties and daily attacks. Troops face harsh conditions, long shifts, and an uncertain return date, while safety warnings have been ignored. The mission's prioritization and costs have raised further concerns. Calls for reassessment and troop return continue as the operation persists without a definitive end date.
