Duval Times

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senator Rick Scott has aligned with Senator Roger Wicker and ten other Senate Armed Services Committee colleagues in a letter to President Biden, expressing concerns about the United States military's plan to construct a temporary pier on the Gaza Coast.

In the letter, the senators voiced their reservations, stating, "We have strong reservations about your directing the United States military to establish a temporary pier on the Gaza Coast." They emphasized the importance of addressing the root causes of the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, including the release of hostages and the surrender of Hamas.

Furthermore, the senators highlighted their apprehensions regarding the risks posed to U.S. personnel and the lack of consideration for force protection issues in a region where terrorist organizations operate. They expressed concern that the pier could become a target for attacks, potentially exacerbating the existing security challenges in the area.

The letter also raised questions about the logistics and implications of the mission, pointing out potential issues such as backlogged aid distribution and the risk of humanitarian aid falling into the hands of terrorist groups like Hamas.

In closing, the senators urged President Biden to focus on diplomatic efforts to secure the release of hostages held by Hamas as a means to end the conflict and improve the humanitarian situation in Gaza. They emphasized, "We urge you to redouble your efforts to compel Hamas to release the hostages, which would end the war and improve the humanitarian situation without deploying U.S. service members to the shores of a war zone."

The senators have requested answers from the Department of Defense on various aspects of the mission, including timelines, troop deployment, costs, force protection measures, and plans for aid distribution within Gaza.

The full letter can be accessed for further details on the senators' concerns and questions regarding the construction of the pier in Gaza.