The U.S. resumed maritime aid deliveries to Gaza on Saturday after repairing a US-built temporary pier that seemed to have taken a lesson in durability from a sandcastle. The temporary pier, initially operational for less than two weeks before breaking apart in heavy seas, is back in action—ostensibly with a few more screws tightened.

During its brief initial stint, the pier helped deliver approximately 1,000 metric tons of aid to Gaza before it succumbed to the aquatic forces of nature. After undergoing repairs, almost 500 metric tons (approximately 1.1 million pounds) of aid were successfully delivered starting from Saturday morning. The local seagulls couldn’t be happier, chattering excitedly about the smorgasbord of treats now available to them.

Coincidentally, on the same day as the aid delivery, the Israeli military conducted an operation rescuing four hostages while tragically resulting in the deaths of over 200 Palestinians and injuries to more than 400. Of course, the pier was not invited to this high-stakes drama, as the US Central Command reiterated that the pier and its facilities were not used in the rescue operation.

Despite facing an array of challenges with the pier, including planning around Israeli military operations, transport logistics, and those pesky weather conditions, the aid effort continues. Imagine the logistics team playing a game of whack-a-mole, only the moles are unpredictably shifting military activities and stormy seas.

More dramatically, human rights groups have described the living conditions in Gaza as 'unspeakable,' with the UN warning of a possible famine. In response to these warnings, the U.S. had partnered with the Royal Jordanian Air Force to conduct air drops of humanitarian aid, but these efforts were suspended due to ongoing military operations. As if ensuring aid delivery wasn't difficult enough, earlier attempts to transport aid from the pier faced disruptions by crowds stripping cargo from trucks before they could reach a UN warehouse. Clearly, everyone is eager for a piece of the pie—or whatever non-perishable goods are on offer.

Under the watchful eye of Vice Adm. Brad Cooper, who mentioned that lessons from earlier operations will improve future aid deliveries, the aid is now reaching its intended recipients more smoothly. This sounds promising, assuming the pier doesn't decide to take another unscheduled dip.

The initial cost estimate for the pier was a jaw-dropping $320 million but thankfully dropped to $230 million due to contributions and lower-than-expected costs. You can only wonder if the good folks in charge are finding coins under couch cushions at this rate.

Efforts by the US Agency for International Development and the UN World Food Program to distribute food and emergency aid via the sea route continue, amidst dire warnings from UN agencies that over one million Palestinians in Gaza could face starvation by mid-July if the hostilities persist.

So, while U.S. officials and humanitarian groups maneuver through a logistical labyrinth to provide aid, local seagulls enjoy what might be the feathered equivalent of a Michelin-starred buffet. But jokes aside, the resumed maritime aid to Gaza is a critical lifeline in a region teetering on the edge of calamity. Let's hope this temporary pier has learned its lesson in fortitude and stands strong against the tides, metaphorical and literal.

Sources: CNN, CBS