Report: Gaza Pier Mission Costly, Failed, Deadly

A Pentagon Inspector General report found that the U.S. military's floating pier mission in Gaza, launched by the Biden administration in 2024 to provide humanitarian aid, resulted in 62 service member injuries and the death of Army Sgt. Quandarius Stanley. The $230 million project involved about 1,000 troops and caused at least $31 million in equipment damage. The pier operated for only 20 days before being abandoned due to severe weather and logistical problems. The mission delivered only a fraction of the intended aid, with much failing to reach Gazans. The report criticized the Army and Navy for inadequate planning, training, and failure to account for environmental challenges. Ultimately, the Inspector General concluded that the mission did not achieve its objectives and highlighted major lapses in military planning and transparency.