ALBAWABA - The Pentagon has revealed, in a major development, that Israel recently used a location near the US floating dock off the coast of Gaza to conduct a prisoner rescue operation. Claims that the pier was directly involved in the mission were, however, denied by the department.
In response to any misunderstandings, the Pentagon made it clear that while Israeli helicopters were seen flying close to the pier, the pier was not used in the operation. Moreover, the government refuted reports that any US soldiers took part in the Israeli operation.
According to Gaza's Ministry of Health, the operation resulted in the tragic loss of 274 Palestinian lives and left almost 700 others wounded. It also witnessed the rescue of four detainees from Gaza's Nuseirat camp.
Concerns were aroused and doubts over the purpose and efficacy of the American marine pier's humanitarian mission were raised when reports surfaced that Israeli commandos had infiltrated the region disguised as supply vehicles.
The World Food Program announced a temporary stop to assistance delivery via the American dock in response to security concerns. This choice raises further questions about how well the pier can handle Gaza's humanitarian catastrophe.
The director of Gaza's government media office, Salama Marouf, said that since the pier's construction, its contribution to easing the region's humanitarian problems has been little. Marouf's comments were made in response to worries expressed after the pier's assistance delivery was suspended.
The pier's humanitarian goal was reiterated by the Pentagon, but questions remain about its effectiveness and underlying intentions. Its usage in close proximity to Israeli military operations has come to light, casting doubt on its efficacy and significance in meeting Gaza's urgent humanitarian needs.
