Pentagon Says Gaza Pier Was Not Used in Israel’s Hostage Rescue Operation

The Pentagon said on Monday that social media allegations suggesting that the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) had used the U.S.-built pier off Gaza during its hostage rescue operation were “inaccurate.” Pentagon spokesperson Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder told reporters that the pier facility, along with its equipment, personnel, and assets, was not involved in the IDF’s operation to rescue hostages in Gaza. Mr. Ryder emphasized that the temporary pier was built by the U.S. Army with the sole purpose of “helping move additional urgently-needed lifesaving assistance to Gaza” amid the ongoing Israel-Hamas war. He acknowledged that “some type of helicopter activity” occurred nearby, but said that that would be a question for the Israeli side to address, as it was “completely separate and not associated” with the pier operation....