The contention of Israel is that the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has made significant strides in the war and that it was only a matter of time to eliminate Hamas. Last week in Doha, Israel agreed to release 700 Palestinian prisoners in exchange for 40 Israeli hostages. However, it pulled out of the negotiations following Hamas’s demands for a permanent ceasefire.

Ships with second round of aid for Gaza depart from Cyprus

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A three-ship convoy left a port in Cyprus on Saturday with 400 tons of food and other supplies for Gaza as concerns about hunger in the territory soar. World Central Kitchen said the vessels and a barge were carrying ready-to-eat items like rice, pasta, flour, legumes, canned vegetables and proteins that were enough to prepare more than 1 million meals. Also on board were dates, which are traditionally eaten to break the daily fast during the holy month of Ramadan.

It was not clear when the ships would reach Gaza. An Open Arms ship inaugurated the direct sea route to the Palestinian territory earlier this month with 200 tons of food, water and other aid. The United Nations and partners have warned that famine could occur in devastated, largely isolated northern Gaza as early as this month. Humanitarian officials say deliveries by sea and air are not enough and that Israel must allow far more aid by road. The top UN court has ordered Israel to open more land crossings and take other measures to address the humanitarian crisis.

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