Pentagon watchdog opens probe of Gaza humanitarian aid pier

• The pier, which President Biden announced in the spring, was originally estimated to cost $320 million. That figure was revised down earlier this month to $230 million.

Context: Damage and the threat of damage from rough seas and other logistical issues has led to several pauses to the pier operation, leading to inconsistent aid deliveries.

• Republican lawmakers have criticized it as ineffective. Some have called on the Biden administration to end the operation altogether, Reuters reports.
• Since the pier was deemed operational in mid-May, at least 13.6 million pounds of aid have been delivered through it, according to U.S. Central Command.

State of play: DOD Inspector General Robert Storch said his review, which is independent of, but coordinated with, USAID Inspector General Paul Martin's review, will "assess the effectiveness of DoD's efforts to facilitate the delivery of humanitarian aid" to Gaza.

• Martin's review will consider "plans and controls over the distribution of humanitarian assistance through the maritime corridor, including aid that has reached the beach in Gaza."

• "Congress and the American people can rely on USAID OIG to conduct independent and aggressive oversight of USAID-funded humanitarian assistance programming in Gaza," Martin said.

The big picture: A UN-backed group warned earlier this week that close to half a million people in Gaza are at risk of starvation in the coming weeks and months, and the entire population is at risk of acute food insecurity.

Go deeper: Netanyahu walks back proposal for Gaza hostage-ceasefire deal endorsed by Biden