Pentagon Says Hamas May Attack US Troops Building Gaza Pier

Concerns of U.S. troops getting caught up in the Israel-Hamas war comes days after an alleged mortar attack caused damage to the maritime dock.

U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin testifies before the House Armed Services Committee in the Rayburn House Office Building on Capitol Hill in Washington on April 30, 2024. Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said U.S. service members constructing a maritime pier off the coast of Gaza could be attacked as they build the floating dock to ease access for humanitarian aid going into the famine-stricken territory.

Asked by House Armed Services Committee member Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.) on April 30 about the likelihood of shooting warfare between U.S. troops and Hamas terrorists, Mr. Austin replied, “It’s possible, yes.”