Pentagon Minimizes Effects of ‘Mortar Attack’ on Gaza Aid Pier Under Construction
According to Maj. Gen. Patrick Ryder, ‘A small number of mortars landed in the vicinity of the marshaling yard area.’
The Pentagon has minimized the impact of an alleged “attack” on a maritime pier being constructed by the United States off the coast of Gaza for aiding the famine-stricken area.
During a press conference, Maj. Gen. Patrick Ryder stated that officials are monitoring what seemed to be “some type of mortar attack” resulting in “minimal damage near the marshaling yard area” connected to the pier.
The incident occurred on a day when U.S. ships involved in pier construction were far from the shore, with no injuries reported.
Although Maj. Gen. Ryder initially labeled it an “attack,” he later clarified that “a small number of mortars landed near the marshaling yard area for humanitarian assistance,” intended to serve as the delivery site for the pier.
He emphasized that no U.S. forces will be present in Gaza once the pier is operational, which is expected to be by early May.
Maj. Gen. Ryder directed further questions on the alleged attack, including potential perpetrators, to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF).
IDF Points to ‘Terrorist Organizations’ Behind ‘Attack’
In a statement to the Times of Israel, the IDF labeled the incident as a “terror attack,” although no specific group has claimed responsibility.
They described the event occurring during a UN inspection, prompting officials to seek shelter for safety.
The IDF accused terrorist organizations of disrupting humanitarian endeavors and endangering UN employees while Israel continues aiding Gaza.
President Joe Biden proposed the floating U.S. Army pier in his State of the Union address to address the increasing crisis in Gaza.
The Trident Pier, consisting of connected modular sections, will include a roll-on, roll-off discharge facility to allow aid deliveries to Gaza before they are transported ashore.
The pier’s initial aim is to facilitate the delivery of 90 truckloads of international aid to Gaza, with the potential to escalate to 150 truckloads once fully operational.
Despite the criticism from some US lawmakers, construction of the pier is supported by Israeli forces, who are closely cooperating with the U.S. military on the project.
Maj. Gen. Ryder confirmed that construction of the temporary pier and causeway at sea has commenced, and the recent incident does not impact the establishment of the maritime corridor.
