(FreePressBeacon.com) – Raising the alarm over the misuse of taxpayer funds, the projected cost of constructing a pier to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza has skyrocketed to $320 million.
According to U.S. military estimates, this revised figure doubles an earlier figure shared earlier this year.
The Senate Armed Services Committee’s top Republican, Senator Roger Wicker, slammed the project. “This dangerous effort with marginal benefit will now cost the American taxpayers at least $320 million to operate the pier for only 90 days.”
Recent hostilities have also highlighted the increased tensions, as Hamas fighters launched mortar attacks near the pier’s “marshaling area” last week.
Although Maj. Gen. Patrick Ryder gave military assurance that the construction site remained out of mortar range, there are concerns about the safety risks to U.S. troops and potential escalations.
Senator Wicker strongly criticized the initiative and labeled it “ill-conceived” and dangerous.
He argued that it puts U.S. military personnel at unnecessary risk and added that “Biden should never have put our men and women in this position, and he should abandon this project immediately before any U.S. troops are injured.”
Announced by Biden in March, the pier is part of a broader U.S. strategy to support Palestinians with humanitarian aid amidst ongoing conflicts between Israel and the Iranian-backed terrorist group Hamas.
This initiative is seen by some as a means to put pressure on Israel while addressing humanitarian needs in Gaza. However, critics argue it may carelessly extend the conflict and boost Hamas.
House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer addressed the situation, stating, “The House Oversight Committee has been sounding the alarm about U.S. aid to Gaza falling into the hands of terror groups, but it is falling on deaf ears with President Biden and his administration.”
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