LESTER HOLT: Now to the growing humanitarian crisis in Gaza. The U.S. built a $220 million pier to get aid flowing into the war-torn enclave, but in the 40 days since deliveries began, it's been hit by several setbacks. Courtney Kube now with a rare, up-close look.
COURTNEY KUBE: You can see the beach from this American pier off Gaza. Tonight, our first look at the structure which has allowed the U.S. military to deliver much-needed aid by sea.
It took about an hour to get from the Israeli port of Ashdod to here. This is JLOTS (Joint Logistics Over-the-Shore capability). It’s a temporary U.S. military pier system meant to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza. But even after about six weeks of operating, the U.S. military has seen it has some limitations. Including weather. High seas and winds damaged the embattled pier last month, forcing the U.S. to drag it back to Israel for repairs. The weather here today is calm, so aid is moving. But once these waves get to about four feet high, the pier has to be taken apart and moved, or it risks being damaged. President Biden unveiled the pier with great fanfare during his "State of the union."
JOE BIDEN: A temporary pier will enable a massive increase in the amount of humanitarian assistance getting into Gaza every day.
KUBE: It cost American taxpayers over $220 million but has only delivered aid on 17 of the last 40 days.
It's been on line 17 days of the last six weeks, mainly for weather. So when you look at that, is -- do you still feel that this mission is -- has been a success?
SERVICE MEMBER: Yeah. Absolutely. And let me point out why. One, as a commander. Personal. My soldiers and sailors have stepped up. We know the weather got us. And when it did, they stepped up.
KUBE: The day's deliveries were made. The U.S. military brought nearly 14 million pounds of aid- often the main contributor to Gaza on any given day. The beach area takes indirect fire nearly every day, according to defense officials. The pier has not been targeted. But aid agencies suspended distribution and haven't delivered that aid since June 9th. Now about 11.5 million pounds of aid are sitting in scorching heat in the sun where it can't help the Asilah family. "We live in a tent and eat canned food, and our children stand in line to get water. The aid is not always available”, she says. The American military mission and the pier are expected to leave in the next six weeks.
