The United States has clarified that its temporary aid pier in Gaza was not utilized in the recent Israeli operation to rescue captives in the Nuseirat refugee camp, which resulted in the death of over 270 individuals.

According to the Pentagon, reports connecting the pier to the Israeli raid that freed four captives from Hamas are “incorrect”.

“While it was nearby, it is coincidental. The pier, equipment, and personnel dedicated to that humanitarian mission were unrelated to the Israeli military's efforts,” stated Pentagon spokesperson Patrick Ryder.

He emphasized that the proximity of the Israeli mission to the US aid pier does not increase the danger to American personnel.

“To reiterate, the temporary pier was established solely to facilitate the delivery of critical humanitarian aid to Gaza,” Ryder added.

The Washington Post mentioned that the Israeli military used a helicopter on a beach near the US pier to evacuate three captives and the soldiers involved in their rescue.

The Israeli forces heavily bombarded the Nuseirat area during their mission, resulting in the death of at least 274 people, many of whom were women and children, according to Palestinian authorities in Gaza.

The Biden administration praised the rescue operation.

“We celebrate the release of four hostages who have finally been reunited with their families in Israel after eight months of captivity. The US remains steadfast in its commitment to ensure all hostages return home,” the State Department declared.

Although the US military has refuted involvement in the raid, various international media, including The New York Times, reported that American intelligence played a role in the operation.

Hamas condemned the alleged US involvement, claiming it highlights the US administration's complicity in war crimes in Gaza.

They also questioned the US's stated concern for Gaza’s humanitarian crisis.

Biden approved the construction of the humanitarian pier in March amid the ongoing Israeli blockade of Gaza, which has caused concerns about severe food shortages.

The US floating dock was finalized in May but sustained weather damage soon after, necessitating repairs. The pier was reconstructed on Friday.

Humanitarian organizations have critiqued the US pier as insufficient compared to land routes for aid delivery.

In late May, 20 aid organizations, including Doctors Without Borders, criticized the US pier as a superficial measure that does not sufficiently address the crisis.

“With intensified Israeli strikes on Rafah, the uncertain aid flow into Gaza creates a false sense of improved access while the humanitarian efforts are nearing collapse,” they stated.

The Nuseirat attack threatens to exacerbate Gaza's humanitarian crisis. The UN World Food Programme (WFP) stopped its aid deliveries to Gaza following the incident.

“Two of our warehouses were hit yesterday, so we've temporarily halted to reassess our safety before resuming,” WFP Executive Director Cindy McCain told CBS News.