Washington D.C./Gaza - General Frank S Besson, a US military vessel, the, is en route to the Middle East carrying equipment to construct a temporary pier near Gaza. The effort follows President Joe Biden's pledge to build the pier to facilitate aid delivery to Gaza, where the UN warns of an impending famine.
Previous attempts to deliver aid by land and air have faced challenges, including violence and logistical issues. The ship's departure closely follows Biden's announcement, with plans to establish the pier with the assistance of 1,000 troops within 60 days. Charities express urgency, citing the dire situation in Gaza.
Meanwhile, an aid ship, Open Arms, awaits clearance in Cyprus to transport 200 tonnes of food to Gaza. The ship, operated by the Spanish charity Open Arms, carries supplies provided by US charity World Central Kitchen.
Although Gaza lacks a functional port, a secret destination point reportedly has a team preparing to receive aid. Israel has expressed support for the initiative, pending security checks in Cyprus.
The conflict between Israel and Hamas has led to a humanitarian crisis in Gaza, with over 30,900 casualties reported. The UN warns of catastrophic food insecurity affecting over 576,000 people, urging expanded aid delivery routes. Despite efforts to deliver aid via land crossings, parts of Gaza remain cut off from assistance, with accusations of Israeli obstruction. Israel denies using starvation as a tactic and rejects such allegations.
Efforts to broker a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas in Gaza continue, with Israel's intelligence agency Mossad stating that discussions are ongoing despite uncertainties about reaching an agreement during Ramadan. Mossad chief David Barnea met with CIA Director William Burns to advance negotiations for the release of hostages, according to a statement from Mossad distributed by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office. The United States has remained involved, with President Joe Biden confirming that Burns remains in the region.
Mossad indicates continuous engagement with mediators to bridge differences and achieve agreements. However, both Israel and Hamas have traded accusations regarding the stalemate in talks leading up to Ramadan. Hamas has suggested that its delegation is unlikely to visit Cairo for further discussions.
Truce negotiations have involved Egypt, the United States, and Qatar since January. The most recent agreement, a temporary cessation of hostilities in November, resulted in the release of hostages by Hamas and Palestinian prisoners by Israel. However, Hamas attributes the current impasse to Israel's refusal to commit to a longer ceasefire and release additional hostages.
Mossad alleges Hamas's reluctance to compromise, accusing the group of instigating violence during Ramadan. Israeli officials assert that the conflict will only conclude with Hamas's defeat, dismissing the group's demands as unrealistic.
President Biden, while advocating for a temporary ceasefire, acknowledges the challenges in reaching a deal before Ramadan but refrains from providing specifics. He reiterates unwavering U.S. support for Israel's right to self-defense while urging restraint to minimize civilian casualties among Palestinians. Additionally, Biden expresses willingness to return to Israel if necessary but declines to elaborate on potential plans.
Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh pledges continued resistance against Israel until Palestinian freedom and independence are achieved. As the conflict persists, humanitarian efforts intensify, with international organizations coordinating relief shipments to Gaza. The United States announces plans to construct a temporary floating dock off Gaza's coast for aid delivery, with Israel's cooperation in ensuring the aid's safe passage.
Tensions persist on the Israel-Lebanon border, where Israeli forces and Hezbollah militants exchange fire intermittently. Reports emerge of an Israeli strike in southern Lebanon resulting in civilian casualties, prompting further scrutiny.
In a notable exchange, President Biden initially identifies Israel's potential invasion of Rafah in southern Gaza as a "red line" for Prime Minister Netanyahu but later clarifies his statement, emphasizing his unwavering support for Israel. Biden urges caution to avoid civilian casualties and emphasizes the need for a comprehensive evacuation plan if Israel plans to escalate its military operations in Rafah.
The conflict's toll on Gaza is evident, with widespread destruction and displacement exacerbating humanitarian concerns. Israel's offensive actions, including airstrikes targeting Hamas infrastructure, contribute to the dire situation in the enclave, prompting international condemnation and calls for restraint.