Biden’s epic fail: Floating dock plan for Gaza aid

In response to Israel’s slowing humanitarian aid access to Gaza via land, U.S. President Joe Biden unveiled a plan on March 7 to establish a floating dock to facilitate aid deliveries.

This temporary structure, intended for ships carrying food, water, medicine, and temporary shelters, was to be constructed by the U.S. military.

Biden promised a “significant increase” in the amount of humanitarian aid reaching Gaza daily, with Pentagon estimates suggesting up to 150 truckloads of aid could be delivered per day.

Initial implementation, setbacks

The floating dock, known as the Joint Logistics Over-the-Shore (JLOTS), began operations on May 17 but sustained damage from a storm just one week later. After repairs at Israel’s Ashdod Port, the dock was reinstalled off Gaza’s coast.

Criticism arose from the international community, suggesting the plan diminished pressure on Israel to open its land borders for aid. Bob Kitchen, a senior official with the International Rescue Committee, labeled the initiative as a “distraction” from addressing Israel’s blockade.

Despite these issues, the U.S. military and administration maintained confidence in the floating dock plan. However, on June 10, the U.N.’s World Food Programme suspended operations citing “security concerns.”

Further complications, repairs

Mid-June weather inflicted additional damage, necessitating another repair at Ashdod before reinstallation on June 19. Operations were again halted shortly thereafter for “planned maintenance.”

As of June 28, CENTCOM reported only 8,831 tons of aid had been delivered via the floating dock. Adverse weather prompted further relocations of the dock, with U.S. media predicting the plan’s termination.

Conclusion, official reactions

On July 7, National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan announced the likely end of the floating dock plan, with a formal decision from CENTCOM pending. President Biden expressed his disappointment over the project’s failures during a press conference following the NATO Summit in Washington.

“I am frustrated by the failure of some initiatives I set forth,” Biden admitted, highlighting the adverse weather that repeatedly incapacitated the dock.

Despite the challenges, Biden had hoped for greater success in delivering aid to Gaza.

Context of crisis

The humanitarian crisis in Gaza remains dire, with Israel’s bombardment over the past 280 days displacing around 2 million of the 2.3 million residents.

The death toll includes 38,345 Palestinians, with 15,694 children and 10,279 women among the casualties. Critical infrastructure, including hospitals and schools, continues to be targeted, exacerbating the humanitarian needs in the region.