After part of the temporary dock in Gaza collapsed due to severe waves, the U.S. Central Command announced today, Saturday, that four U.S. Navy ships on a humanitarian support mission in Gaza were damaged by the weather conditions at the floating port, stating that the heavy waves affected the U.S. maritime aid mission. The command noted that the ships became detached from their moorings, explaining that two ships are currently anchored on the shore near the marine dock in Gaza. It also indicated that the third and fourth ships are presently on the shore in Israel off Ashkelon. The Central Command confirmed that efforts are underway to recover the ships with the assistance of the Israeli Navy, noting that there have been no reports of injuries.
These statements came after the United Nations announced on Friday that 97 aid trucks arrived in Gaza via the temporary U.S. dock, which began construction months ago, while severe waves washed away part of it. Media reports indicated that part of the port collapsed and reached the beaches of Ashdod. It was added that the U.S. Navy ships have returned and reclaimed part of the collapsed marine dock. It is worth mentioning that the United States had completed the construction of this dock last week following an announcement made by President Joe Biden last March.
