US denies that Israeli forces used Gaza aid pier during Nuseirat operation

Washington has denied that the temporary aid pier in Gaza was used during Israel's operation in central Gaza on Saturday which killed over 200 Palestinians and rescued four Israeli captives.

"The humanitarian pier facility, including its equipment, personnel, and assets were not used in the operation to rescue hostages today in Gaza," US Central Command said in a statement.

"An area south of the facility was used by the Israelis to safely return the hostages to Israel. Any such claim to the contrary is false. The temporary pier on the coast of Gaza was put in place for one purpose only, to help move additional, urgently needed lifesaving assistance into Gaza."

A US official told Axios on Saturday that a US cell stationed in Israel "supported" the Israeli military's operation, with the New York Times later reporting that the US provided "intelligence and other logistical support".

Citing a source familiar with the matter, CNN reported that there were "no US boots on the ground", adding that the American cell has been in place since 7 October, supporting Israel with information gathering. 

Videos circulating online on Saturday showed a helicopter taking off from the beach in Gaza with the US pier in the backdrop.