Overview

• The U.S. military’s 2024 Gaza pier operation failed to meet service-level standards for equipment readiness and inter-service coordination, according to a newly released Pentagon Inspector General report.
• The mission, intended to deliver aid to Gaza amid Israel's land blockade, operated for only 20 days, delivering food for 450,000 people for one month—far below its goal of feeding 500,000 monthly for three months.
• The operation incurred $31 million in equipment damage, with 27 watercraft and other assets affected, and resulted in 62 personnel injuries, including the death of Sgt. Quandarius Davon Stanley.
• Environmental challenges, including rough seas and high winds, caused significant structural damage to the pier, forcing repeated repairs and an early shutdown.
• The report warns of broader challenges in the U.S. military’s Joint Logistics Over-the-Shore capabilities, citing diminished training, outdated equipment, and insufficient mission-specific planning.