By Diyar Guldogan
WASHINGTON (AA) - The humanitarian pier off the coast of the Gaza Strip will be operational "again this week," the Pentagon said Tuesday.
"In terms of the JLOTS, we expect it will go operational again this week, and I don't have a specific date to give you right now," spokesman Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder told reporters.
US Central Command (CENTCOM) said last week it will "temporarily" remove the pier from its anchored position in Gaza and tow it to Ashdod, Israel, because of expected high seas.
"First of all, that the pier is a temporary measure. I don't have any dates to announce in terms of when it will cease operations.
"Of course, as I just mentioned, we're looking forward to getting it operational again soon, and to delivering aid," Ryder responded when asked if the peer could be dismantled as early as this coming month.
The US had resumed delivery of humanitarian aid via the pier, which was suspended last weekend because of rough seas.
The JLOTS -- the floating pier and the Trident pier -- became operational May 17 when trucks carrying humanitarian assistance began moving ashore via the pier.
More than 3,500 metric tons (3,858 tons) have been delivered through the maritime corridor for delivery by humanitarian organizations, said CENTCOM.
US President Joe Biden ordered the establishment of a sea route to deliver food and aid to Palestinians on March 8 amid Israeli restrictions and months of conflict in the enclave.