Earlier this year, U.S. President Joe Biden announced a new approach for getting aid into Gaza: a maritime corridor in the Mediterranean Sea.
The $230 million project, which was referred to as the Joint Logistics Over-the-Shore modular system, or JLOTS, had hoped to feed 1.5 million people over three months. But from its earliest days, staff at the U.S. Agency for International Development were concerned, according to a new report released by USAID’s Office of Inspector General.
“Multiple USAID staff expressed concerns that the focus on using JLOTS would detract from the Agency’s advocacy for opening land crossings, which were seen as more efficient and proven methods of transporting aid into Gaza,” stated the investigation, which was published on Tuesday. “However, once the President issued the directive, the Agency’s focus was to use JLOTS as effectively as possible.”