Over the weekend, US military C-130 planes carried out an airdrop of more than 38,000 meals into Gaza. The airdrop, which took place between 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. local time, aimed to provide essential relief to civilians affected by the ongoing conflict in the region. The operation was a joint effort between US Central Command (CENTCOM) and the Royal Jordanian Air Force.
While some humanitarian agencies have criticized the Biden administration for the airdrops, White House spokesperson John Kirby emphasized that this was just the first of many to come. President Joe Biden also expressed the US's commitment to ensuring that Israel facilitates the delivery of aid to those in need.
Meanwhile, talks over a ceasefire have shown progress, with a Hamas delegation reportedly arriving in Cairo. A senior White House official indicated that there is a framework deal in place, with Israel tentatively accepting it. The proposed ceasefire, expected to last six weeks, hinges on Hamas releasing vulnerable hostages, including the sick, wounded, elderly, and women.
However, challenges remain as an Israeli delegation is awaiting a list of living hostages held by Hamas before further negotiations. The situation in Gaza remains dire, with a recent incident resulting in the deaths of 112 Palestinians and injuries to around 760 individuals as they gathered around aid lorries in Gaza City.
The United Nations' World Food Programme has highlighted the severe humanitarian crisis in Gaza, with the entire population of 2.2 million people facing acute food insecurity. Child malnutrition rates are alarmingly high, with one in every six children under the age of 2 suffering from acute malnourishment.
