UN halts food distribution from US-built Gaza pier due to security concerns

The United Nations’ World Food Programme (WFP) is temporarily pausing its food distribution operations from a U.S.-built pier in Gaza after its warehouses were hit by rockets, representing the latest blow to efforts to get humanitarian aid into the Gaza Strip from the pier.

The U.S. has spent some $320 million building the pier in the Mediterranean Sea to facilitate the delivery of aid into Gaza. But there have been chaotic scenes of hundreds of Palestinians looting aid convoys, and the structure has been battered by choppy weather.

Aid arrived at the pier on Saturday with about 492 metric tons being delivered, according to U.S. Central Command.

BEFORE AND AFTER: PHOTOS SHOW DESTRUCTION OF BIDEN'S $320M GAZA PIER

"To date, USCENTCOM has assisted in the delivery of more than 1,573 metric tons (~3.5 million pounds) of humanitarian aid. No U.S. military personnel went ashore in Gaza," the agency said in a statement. "This ongoing effort in support of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) to deliver additional aid to Palestinian civilians in Gaza is entirely humanitarian in nature and involves aid commodities donated by several countries and humanitarian organizations."

But on Sunday, Cindy McCain, WFP’s executive director, said the U.N. program was halting distribution due to safety concerns.

"Right now, we're paused because I'm concerned about the safety of our people after the incidents yesterday," she said on CBS News.

McCain said that two warehouses were rocketed on Saturday, "[S]o we've stepped back just for the moment to make sure that we're in – on safe terms and on safe ground before we'll restart."

She said operations elsewhere are ongoing.

"Temporarily pausing operations at floating dock for a UN security assessment to ensure staff & partners' safety," the WFP said in a post on X, formerly known as Twitter.

GROWING CONTROVERSY OVER BIDEN'S GAZA PIER FUELS CONCERNS OVER COST, SECURITY

The U.N. confirmed that the WFP is "temporarily pausing operations at the floating dock until a thorough assessment of the security situation is conducted to ensure the safety of our staff and our partners."

A Pentagon spokesperson confirmed to Fox News Digital that the pier is still operational and that 1,573 metric tons have been delivered from the pier. The spokesperson also said that U.S. military personnel are not operating in Gaza.

Relief agencies have pushed Israel to reopen land routes to bring in aid to Gaza. Israel, however, says it has allowed trucks to enter and says it is the fault of the U.N. as to why the aid hasn’t been distributed.

President Biden had announced his plan to build a pier during his State of the Union address in March, and the initial estimate was to get it up and running in 60 days. But the first aid trucks did not arrive at the pier until May 17.

Former IDF spokesperson and senior fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies Jonathan Conricus told Fox News Digital that "The continued provision of aid to civilians in Gaza is an Israeli priority in order to keep fighting and ultimately defeating Hamas and freeing both Israel and Gaza of this murderous terror regime."

"Hamas continues to intentionally disrupt the provision of aid and continues to attack and loot warehouses, harass aid convoys and steal and sell international aid," he said. "According to the behavior of various U.N. officials since Oct. 7, I will not hold my breath to hear their condemnation of Hamas’ efforts to obstruct the provision of aid, only to criticize Israel. I urge the WFP and all other international NGOs to resume provision of aid."

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Mushroom-infused 'microdosing' chocolate bars are sending people to the hospital, prompting investigation: FDA

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is warning consumers about a mushroom-infused chocolate bar that has reportedly sent some people to the hospital.

The FDA released an advisory message about Diamond Shruumz "microdosing" chocolate bars on June 7. The chocolate bars contain a "proprietary nootropics blend" that is said to give a "relaxed euphoric experience without psilocybin," according to its website.

"The FDA and CDC, in collaboration with America’s Poison Centers and state and local partners, are investigating a series of illnesses associated with eating Diamond Shruumz-brand Microdosing Chocolate Bars," the FDA's website reads.

"Do not eat, sell, or serve Diamond Shruumz-Brand Microdosing Chocolate Bars," the site warns. "FDA’s investigation is ongoing."

STUDY FINDS EVIDENCE OF MICROPLASTICS IN BRAINS AND OTHER ORGANS

"Microdosing" is a practice where one takes a very small amount of psychedelic drugs with the intent of increasing productivity, inspiring creativity and boosting mood. According to Diamond Shruumz's website, the brand said its products help achieve "a subtle, sumptuous experience and a more creative state of mind."

"We’re talkin’ confections with a kick," the brand said. "So if you like mushroom chocolate bars and want to mingle with some microdosing, check us out. We just might change how you see the world."

But government officials warn that the products have caused seizures in some consumers and vomiting in others.

"People who became ill after eating Diamond Shruumz-brand Microdosing Chocolate Bars reported a variety of severe symptoms including seizures, central nervous system depression (loss of consciousness, confusion, sleepiness), agitation, abnormal heart rates, hyper/hypotension, nausea, and vomiting," the FDA reported. 

WOMAN LEFT WITH KIDNEY DAMAGE AFTER VISITING HAIR SALON

Six people reportedly experienced such severe reactions that they sought medical care.

"All eight people have reported seeking medical care; six have been hospitalized," the FDA's press release said. "No deaths have been reported."

Diamond Shruumz says on its website that its products are not necessarily psychedelic. Although the chocolate is marketed as promising a psilocybin-like experience, there is no psilocybin in it.

"There is no presence of psilocybin, amanita or any scheduled drugs, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience," the website claims. "Rest assured, our treats are not only free from psychedelic substances but our carefully crafted ingredients still offer an experience."

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"This allows you to indulge in a uniquely crafted blend designed for your pleasure and peace of mind."

Officials warn consumers to keep the products out of the reach of minors, as kids and teens may be tempted to eat the chocolate bars.

"This product may appeal to children and teenagers as it is marketed as a candy," the FDA advises. "Parents and caregivers should consider discussing the information in this advisory with their children and take extra care to avoid this product being consumed by younger people."

The FDA and CDC are actively investigating the products.

Fox News Digital reached out to Diamond Shruumz for comment, but did not hear back.

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