WFP Director Expresses Concerns about Safety of Its Staff at US Pier Gaza

The director of the U.N. World Food Program Cindy McCain expressed concerns about the safety of their staff and the rocketing of their warehouses, leading to the decision to temporarily halt operations at the pier. 

She emphasized the need for a safe environment to resume humanitarian activities and stressed the importance of a cease-fire to ensure the flow of aid into Gaza.

This decision came after a deadly day in the region when an Israeli military assault resulted in casualties and damage to two of WFP's warehouses.

The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) described this pause as a necessary step to conduct a security review, and it works with the World Food Program and other partners to distribute aid from the U.S.-operated pier. The pier, operational for only a week before being damaged by a storm, was repaired and back in operation, bringing in 1.1 million pounds (492 metric tons) of food and aid before the humanitarian work was paused.

It's important to note that the U.S. pier project was established to provide limited aid to Gaza, aiming to alleviate the difficult conditions faced by the local population due to Israeli restrictions on land crossings and ongoing conflict. The U.S. has emphasized the humanitarian nature of the pier, stating that it was not involved in military operations, and that the safety and independence of humanitarian efforts must be maintained in the region.