The temporary US port in Gaza was destroyed

US aid efforts to Gaza have failed: a temporary pier to deliver humanitarian supplies collapsed under the influence of strong waves, the Pentagon said. According to Pentagon deputy spokeswoman Sabrina Singh, it was caused by strong seas and North African winds.

The $320 million jetty was supposed to be a vital supply line for seaborne aid to Gazans suffering food shortages due to the Israeli blockade. In October, Israel completely blockaded the exclave, banning food, water, medicine and fuel from entering the sector.

The operation has been halted for at least a week, Pentagon deputy spokeswoman Sabrina Singh said. According to him, it was caused by strong seas and North African winds.

On May 25, US Central Command reported that four US warships lost their moorings while supporting the port and ran aground in rough seas. Two washed ashore in Gaza, and the other two washed ashore in Israel, 40 km south of Tel Aviv. Part of the port was carried by the current into the open sea.

The US military will now tow the remains of the pier to the Israeli port of Ashdod and carry out repairs, Singh said.