Aid ship with 200 tons of food from World Central Kitchen arrives in Gaza, first delivery by sea in years (BBC)
Israel approves military operation in Rafah; US cautions plan needed to protect civilians (NY Times)
Hamas drops ceasefire demand in proposal to exchange hostages for Palestinian prisoners (Washington Post)
27 children in Gaza have died from malnutrition recently, UN warns (CBS)
Cyprus preparing second, larger aid ship to follow initial vessel to Gaza (Politico)
The Washington Post reports that a humanitarian aid ship sent by the US charity World Central Kitchen has completed the first aid delivery by sea to Gaza in years, unloading 200 tons of desperately needed food. The maritime corridor was opened with support from the EU and Arab states. World Central Kitchen says preparations are underway to dispatch a second ship from Cyprus carrying hundreds more tons of aid and equipment to expedite offloading. According to the BBC, the renowned Spanish-American chef behind World Central Kitchen, José Andrés, said this test delivery shows thousands more tons could be brought weekly.
The New York Times states that Israeli PM Netanyahu has approved a military operation in Rafah, where over a million displaced Gazans have sought refuge. However, White House officials said they have not seen details on protecting civilians and could not support a plan without credible proposals to shelter Gazans. The Washington Post reports Hamas has dropped its ceasefire demand in a new proposal, offering phased Israeli troop pullbacks and hostage releases in exchange for freeing Palestinian prisoners over a 6-week truce. US officials termed it a positive first step after weeks of deadlock.
CBS News covers the warnings of severe malnutrition amongst Gazan children by UNICEF and other aid groups. They report at least 27 children in Gaza have recently died from malnutrition or dehydration as the humanitarian crisis worsens, especially in the north where acute childhood malnutrition has doubled since January.
According to Politico, Cyprus is preparing a second, larger aid ship to follow the initial aid vessel it dispatched to Gaza as the first leg of the new sea corridor. Its President Christodoulides says many states have offered support after seeing the maritime aid implemented, with the next ship potentially able to carry 240 tons.
The sources indicate these developments occur against the backdrop of a months-long war between Israel and Hamas. Israel has imposed a siege and restrictions on Gaza, causing shortages of food, water and medicine based on security concerns about Hamas as a militant group. But the UN and aid agencies warn the blockade is fueling a humanitarian catastrophe, with over 30,000 Palestinians killed and warnings of imminent famine. Hamas rocket attacks are seen as provoking Israeli retaliation, but critics argue the military response and blockade lead to excessive civilian suffering. There are active efforts by multiple parties to broker a sustainable ceasefire and ensure desperately needed humanitarian relief reaches Gazans, but talks have repeatedly faltered amid mutual distrust.