A U.S. soldier injured on an aid pier in Gaza has tragically passed away, according to CNN reports. The incident highlights the risks faced by personnel involved in humanitarian operations. Read more on the circumstances and response.
A military official informed CNN that an American soldier, who was seriously injured during a controversial and failed US mission to establish an ‘aid pier’ in Gaza, passed away last week.
Sergeant Quandarius Davon Stanley was injured on May 27 while reportedly delivering aid to the beleaguered Gaza Strip during the ongoing intense Israeli offensive in the Palestinian enclave.
The cause of death remains undisclosed, although the US military previously mentioned it was due to a non-combat incident. The 23-year-old was initially admitted to an Israeli hospital and later transported to Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio, Texas for further treatment.
A defense official, speaking anonymously to CNN on Monday, reported that Stanley, originally from Columbia, South Carolina, passed away on October 31. The official noted that shortly before his death, he had been medically retired by the 7th Transportation Brigade Expeditionary (TBX) due to injuries that made it evident he could no longer continue in military service.
Colonel John ‘Eddie’ Gray, the commander of the 7th TBX, confirmed to the broadcaster that Stanley had passed away. He described Sergeant Stanley as “a key and highly respected frontline leader” within the unit, particularly during their mission to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza’s people.
“Our unwavering support will remain with his family during this challenging time. Our entire unit mourns together with them,” stated Gray.
During his State of the Union address in March, US President Joe Biden announced the mission at Gaza pier.
Washington intended to deploy the $230-million floating structure to rapidly supply food, sufficient to sustain approximately 1.5 million Palestinians in the enclave for over three months.
Nevertheless, the pier was operational for just 20 days before being decommissioned on July 17. According to the US Agency for International Development (USAID), this decision was due to “rough weather and high seas.” During its brief operation, only a third of the intended cargo reached Gaza.
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The US military reported that two additional soldiers incurred minor injuries during the mission, one with a sprained ankle and another with a minor back injury. They were able to swiftly return to their duties.
