An aid ship loaded with 200 tonnes of essential food supplies, aimed at mitigating the looming famine in the Gaza Strip, remained docked in Cyprus on Sunday night. This delay comes as the urgency to provide maritime aid builds amid stalled ceasefire talks and the onset of Ramadan.

<h2>When will the vessel depart?</h2>

According to Cyprus government spokesperson Konstantinos Letymbiotis, the vessel's departure schedule would not be disclosed for security reasons.

However, reports indicate&nbsp;that "technical issues" might further postpone its departure until Monday morning.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/at-least-13000-of-31000-palestinians-killed-during-gaza-war-terrorists-claims-israeli-pm-netanyahu-698757">At least 13,000 of 31,000 Palestinians killed during Gaza war 'terrorists,' claims Israeli PM Netanyahu</a>

As per The Guardian, the World Central Kitchen (WCK), along with the Spanish charity Open Arms, had coordinated the delivery of rice, flour, lentils, beans, and canned fish and meat via an Open Arms vessel from Larnaca to Gaza. Most of this aid, as per Reuters, is funded by the UAE.

However, as of Sunday evening, the boat remained anchored in Cyprus. Letymbiotis said that the cargo had undergone inspection by Cypriot officials under an Israel-approved plan.

Although WCK spokesperson Linda Roth refrained from providing detailed logistical information due to the "evolving and fluid situation," she mentioned that Open Arms, accompanied by a barge, would set sail at the earliest opportunity.&nbsp;

Roth also said that the charities were prepared to dispatch an additional 500 tonnes of aid, funded by the UAE, with preparations underway for a floating jetty to receive the aid.

<h2>Gaza and humanitarian aid</h2>

As the humanitarian crisis in Gaza builds, international players, as per media reports, have been scrambling to find alternative routes to supply aid.

Also watch |&nbsp;Palestinians in Rafah gear up for Ramadan amidst shadow of Gaza war

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/palestinians-in-rafah-gear-up-for-ramadan-amidst-shadow-of-gaza-war-israel-hamas-war-698721/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The delay in the aid ship's departure underscores the challenges of delivering assistance to Gaza via unconventional means.&nbsp;

The shallow waters along the Gaza Strip shoreline and the lack of functioning ports pose significant obstacles to maritime operations. It also raises uncertainties about how the new "sea highway" will impact the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza.

<h2>US' temporary pier</h2>

Officials in Washington, as per the report, have disclosed that a US military vessel carrying equipment for constructing a secondary temporary pier in Gaza was en route to the Mediterranean. However, they cautioned that it could take weeks before the facility became operational.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/egypt-in-talks-with-hamas-and-israel-to-restart-ceasefire-talks-report-698685">Egypt in talks with Hamas and Israel to restart ceasefire talks: Report</a>

Israel has faced repeated allegations of inadequate facilitation of humanitarian aid to Gaza's population of 2.3 million.&nbsp;

This 'open arms' mission, if successful, would effectively signal the first easing of an Israeli naval blockade imposed on Gaza in 2007 after Hamas took control of the Palestinian enclave.

(With inputs from agencies)

An aid ship loaded with 200 tonnes of essential food supplies, aimed at mitigating the looming famine in the Gaza Strip, remained docked in Cyprus on Sunday night.

An aid ship loaded with 200 tonnes of essential food supplies, aimed at mitigating the looming famine in the Gaza Strip, remained docked in Cyprus on Sunday night. This delay comes as the urgency to provide maritime aid builds amid stalled ceasefire talks and the onset of Ramadan. When will the vessel depart? According to Cyprus government spokesperson Konstantinos Letymbiotis, the vessel's departure schedule would not be disclosed for security reasons. However, reports indicate that "technical issues" might further postpone its departure until Monday morning. Also read | At least 13,000 of 31,000 Palestinians killed during Gaza war 'terrorists,' claims Israeli PM Netanyahu As per The Guardian, the World Central Kitchen (WCK), along with the Spanish charity Open Arms, had coordinated the delivery of rice, flour, lentils, beans, and canned fish and meat via an Open Arms vessel from Larnaca to Gaza. Most of this aid, as per Reuters, is funded by the UAE. However, as of Sunday evening, the boat remained anchored in Cyprus. Letymbiotis said that the cargo had undergone inspection by Cypriot officials under an Israel-approved plan. Although WCK spokesperson Linda Roth refrained from providing detailed logistical information due to the "evolving and fluid situation," she mentioned that Open Arms, accompanied by a barge, would set sail at the earliest opportunity. Roth also said that the charities were prepared to dispatch an additional 500 tonnes of aid, funded by the UAE, with preparations underway for a floating jetty to receive the aid. Gaza and humanitarian aid As the humanitarian crisis in Gaza builds, international players, as per media reports, have been scrambling to find alternative routes to supply aid. Also watch | Palestinians in Rafah gear up for Ramadan amidst shadow of Gaza war The delay in the aid ship's departure underscores the challenges of delivering assistance to Gaza via unconventional means. The shallow waters along the Gaza Strip shoreline and the lack of functioning ports pose significant obstacles to maritime operations. It also raises uncertainties about how the new "sea highway" will impact the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza. US' temporary pier Officials in Washington, as per the report, have disclosed that a US military vessel carrying equipment for constructing a secondary temporary pier in Gaza was en route to the Mediterranean. However, they cautioned that it could take weeks before the facility became operational. Also read | Egypt in talks with Hamas and Israel to restart ceasefire talks: Report Israel has faced repeated allegations of inadequate facilitation of humanitarian aid to Gaza's population of 2.3 million. This 'open arms' mission, if successful, would effectively signal the first easing of an Israeli naval blockade imposed on Gaza in 2007 after Hamas took control of the Palestinian enclave. (With inputs from agencies)

Ship carrying 200 tonnes of essential food supplies to Gaza stuck in Cyprus due to 'technical issues'

Palestinians prepared for Ramadan in sombre mood with heightened security measures by Israeli police and the spectre of war and hunger in Gaza overshadowing the normally festive Muslim holy month as talks to secure a ceasefire stalled.

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The Muslim holy month of Ramadan begins today for many countries, without the Israel-Hamas cease-fire that U.S. officials and Arab mediators have been working on for weeks. Watch in for more details!

Israel-Hamas war overshadows Ramadan preparations in Gaza

A ship belonging to Spanish aid group Open Arms and carrying 200 tons of food aid was expected to make a pilot voyage to Gaza from nearby Cyprus “as soon as possible,”. Watch in for more details!

Israel War: Gaza aid ship yet to leave Cyprus

The Israel-Hamas conflict is a long drawn out war between Israel and Palestine - it is fraying tempers now between alies - the United States and Israel. Israel's actions are under scrutiny now as the death toll in Gaza continues to rise.

Netanyahu vs Biden: Netanyahu vows to defy Biden's Rafah red line, 'Will go forward with invasion'

Biden vs Netanyahu: US President warns Israel PM of Rafah invasion; how far will US go?

Israel will push on with its offensive against Hamas, including into the southern Gaza city of Rafah, despite growing international pressure to stop, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Thursday.

Israel PM Netanyahu rejects US President Biden's critique, says 'he is wrong'

Thousands of Israelis took to the streets in Israeli cities to demonstrate for the release of the hostages held by the militant Palestinian organization Hamas and against the government of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Israel War: Thousands of Israelis protest against PM Netanyahu

Latest in Israel-Hamas war: Protestors condemn the situation in Gaza. Israeli activists express concerns against government. Distress over civilian casualties in Gaza. Watch to know more!

Israel war: Anti-government protests in Israel, protesters block roads

Hundreds of pro-Palestinian protested outside the Doby Theater. The security was tightened as protests against the Israel-Gaza War reached the Oscars of 2024 when the biggest Hollywood stars were present for the 96th Academy Awards.

Israel-Gaza war protest at Oscars 2024

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday (Mar 10) asserted that among the nearly 31,000 Palestinians killed during the ongoing Israel conflict with Hamas in the Gaza Strip, at least 13,000 were "terrorists".&nbsp;With this claim, he vowed to continue the offensive in the southern part of the enclave, an action that US President Joe Biden has recently labelled as his "red line".

<h2>Casualties of war</h2>

As per a Reuters report, while the Gaza health ministry does not provide a breakdown of civilian versus militant casualties, it notes that 72 per cent of those killed were women and children. Furthermore, Hamas disputes Israel's figures for militants, dismissing them as attempts aimed at "fake victories".

Also&nbsp;read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/majority-of-israelis-support-his-policies-netanyahu-hits-back-at-biden-698712">Netanyahu rebuffs Biden’s remarks, says ‘majority of Israelis’ support his Gaza policy</a>

Talking to German media company Axel Springer, Netanyahu emphasised the importance of expanding Israel's offensive into Rafah in southern Gaza and said it was key to defeating Hamas.&nbsp;

"We are very close to victory … Once we begin military action against the remaining terror battalions in Rafah, it is only a question of weeks&nbsp;for the intensive phase of fighting to conclude," he said, as quoted by Bild newspaper.&nbsp;

<h2>Biden's 'red line'</h2>

This comes as Israel's ally, United States&nbsp;President Joe Biden and his advisors have urged Netanyahu in strong terms against launching a major offensive in Rafah without a comprehensive plan for civilian evacuation. Over half of Gaza's 2.3 million population is currently sheltering in the Rafah area.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ramadan-begins-without-ceasefire-what-it-means-for-gaza-and-rest-of-region-top-points-698717">Ramadan begins without ceasefire: What it means for Gaza and rest of the region - Top points</a>

On Saturday (Mar 9), when asked by MSNBC, whether the invasion of Rafah was a red line, Biden stressed the importance of Israel's defence while emphasising ongoing support.

"It is a red line, but I'm never going to leave Israel. The defence of Israel is still critical. So there's no red line (in which) I'm going to cut off all weapons so they don't have the Iron Dome to protect them," he said.

Also watch |&nbsp;Gazans preparing for Ramadan under the shadow of the Israel war | Israel-Hamas War

<iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" data-gtm-yt-inspected-20="true" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gazans-preparing-for-ramadan-under-the-shadow-of-the-israel-war-israel-hamas-war-698713/embed" width="560"></iframe>

Netanyahu, in remarks quoted by Politico, affirmed his determination to proceed into Rafah and said: "You know, I have a red line. You know what the red line is, that October 7 doesn't happen again. Never happens again."

As per Bild, he also claimed that three-quarters of Hamas battalions had been destroyed and cautioned against halting the offensive prematurely, warning that it would allow the militants to regroup.

(With inputs from agencies)

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday (Mar 10) asserted that among the nearly 31,000 Palestinians killed during the ongoing Israel conflict with Hamas in the Gaza Strip, at least 13,000 were "terrorists".

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday (Mar 10) asserted that among the nearly 31,000 Palestinians killed during the ongoing Israel conflict with Hamas in the Gaza Strip, at least 13,000 were "terrorists". With this claim, he vowed to continue the offensive in the southern part of the enclave, an action that US President Joe Biden has recently labelled as his "red line". Casualties of war As per a Reuters report, while the Gaza health ministry does not provide a breakdown of civilian versus militant casualties, it notes that 72 per cent of those killed were women and children. Furthermore, Hamas disputes Israel's figures for militants, dismissing them as attempts aimed at "fake victories". Also read | Netanyahu rebuffs Biden’s remarks, says ‘majority of Israelis’ support his Gaza policy Talking to German media company Axel Springer, Netanyahu emphasised the importance of expanding Israel's offensive into Rafah in southern Gaza and said it was key to defeating Hamas. "We are very close to victory … Once we begin military action against the remaining terror battalions in Rafah, it is only a question of weeks for the intensive phase of fighting to conclude," he said, as quoted by Bild newspaper. Biden's 'red line' This comes as Israel's ally, United States President Joe Biden and his advisors have urged Netanyahu in strong terms against launching a major offensive in Rafah without a comprehensive plan for civilian evacuation. Over half of Gaza's 2.3 million population is currently sheltering in the Rafah area. Also read | Ramadan begins without ceasefire: What it means for Gaza and rest of the region - Top points On Saturday (Mar 9), when asked by MSNBC, whether the invasion of Rafah was a red line, Biden stressed the importance of Israel's defence while emphasising ongoing support. "It is a red line, but I'm never going to leave Israel. The defence of Israel is still critical. So there's no red line (in which) I'm going to cut off all weapons so they don't have the Iron Dome to protect them," he said. Also watch | Gazans preparing for Ramadan under the shadow of the Israel war | Israel-Hamas War Netanyahu, in remarks quoted by Politico, affirmed his determination to proceed into Rafah and said: "You know, I have a red line. You know what the red line is, that October 7 doesn't happen again. Never happens again." As per Bild, he also claimed that three-quarters of Hamas battalions had been destroyed and cautioned against halting the offensive prematurely, warning that it would allow the militants to regroup. (With inputs from agencies)

At least 13,000 of 31,000 Palestinians killed during Gaza war are terrorists, claims Israeli PM Netanyahu

Ramadan 2024: Palestinians in Rafah struggle with food shortage

Dozens of Muslim worshippers gathered at New York Times Square on Sunday (Mar 10) to observe the beginning of the holy month of Ramadan, with some showing solidarity with the people in Gaza by displaying Palestinian flags.&nbsp;

The gatherers, as per an AFP report, performed special Ramadan night prayers called Taraweeh.

<h2>Come ye faithful</h2>

Despite the cold and windy conditions, more than 100 faithful gathered for the prayer meeting, with a vocalist chanting Nasheeds and children reciting from the Qur'an, copies of which were offered to both Muslims and curious passers-by.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/at-least-13000-of-31000-palestinians-killed-during-gaza-war-terrorists-claims-israeli-pm-netanyahu-698757">At least 13,000 of 31,000 Palestinians killed during Gaza war 'terrorists,' claims Israeli PM Netanyahu</a>

20-year-old Ahmad Yasar, an IT student in New York, told AFP that communal prayer meetings were important to "raise awareness and show people what's going around the world," including in Gaza.

At the gathering, many people were seen supporting the red, white, green, and black colours of the Palestinian flag. One speaker had them emblazoned on his hat, while a young boy in an electric wheelchair flew the banner.

Also watch |&nbsp;Gazans preparing for Ramadan under the shadow of the Israel war | Israel-Hamas War

<iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" data-gtm-yt-inspected-20="true" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gazans-preparing-for-ramadan-under-the-shadow-of-the-israel-war-israel-hamas-war-698713/embed" width="560"></iframe>

Talking to NY1, Sohail Qureshi, the organiser of the event, said, "This Ramadan is hurting us a little more because of our brothers and sisters in Palestine."

<h2>Ramadan&nbsp;</h2>

Observant Muslims refrain from eating and drinking from dawn to dusk during Ramadan and gather with family and friends to break the fast in the evening. It is also a month of prayers during which Muslims traditionally converge in large numbers at mosques, especially at night.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ship-carrying-200-tonnes-of-essential-food-supplies-to-gaza-stuck-in-cyprus-due-to-technical-issues-698793">Ship carrying 200 tonnes of essential food supplies to Gaza stuck in Cyprus due to 'technical issues'</a>

Organisers projected prayers from the Qur'an and their English translations onto a white sheet that was buffeted by the wind as giant ads for Broadway musicals and candy glowed overhead.&nbsp;

As per The National News, this was the second time in a row that hundreds of Ramadan observing Muslims broke their fast and held Taraweeh prayers at New York's Times Square.

(With inputs from agencies)

Dozens of Muslim worshippers gathered at New York Times Square on Sunday (Mar 10) to observe the beginning of the holy month of Ramadan, with some showing solidarity with the people in Gaza by displaying Palestinian flags.

Dozens of Muslim worshippers gathered at New York Times Square on Sunday (Mar 10) to observe the beginning of the holy month of Ramadan, with some showing solidarity with the people in Gaza by displaying Palestinian flags. The gatherers, as per an AFP report, performed special Ramadan night prayers called Taraweeh. Come ye faithful Despite the cold and windy conditions, more than 100 faithful gathered for the prayer meeting, with a vocalist chanting Nasheeds and children reciting from the Qur'an, copies of which were offered to both Muslims and curious passers-by. Also read | At least 13,000 of 31,000 Palestinians killed during Gaza war 'terrorists,' claims Israeli PM Netanyahu 20-year-old Ahmad Yasar, an IT student in New York, told AFP that communal prayer meetings were important to "raise awareness and show people what's going around the world," including in Gaza. At the gathering, many people were seen supporting the red, white, green, and black colours of the Palestinian flag. One speaker had them emblazoned on his hat, while a young boy in an electric wheelchair flew the banner. Also watch | Gazans preparing for Ramadan under the shadow of the Israel war | Israel-Hamas War Talking to NY1, Sohail Qureshi, the organiser of the event, said, "This Ramadan is hurting us a little more because of our brothers and sisters in Palestine." Ramadan Observant Muslims refrain from eating and drinking from dawn to dusk during Ramadan and gather with family and friends to break the fast in the evening. It is also a month of prayers during which Muslims traditionally converge in large numbers at mosques, especially at night. Also read | Ship carrying 200 tonnes of essential food supplies to Gaza stuck in Cyprus due to 'technical issues' Organisers projected prayers from the Qur'an and their English translations onto a white sheet that was buffeted by the wind as giant ads for Broadway musicals and candy glowed overhead. As per The National News, this was the second time in a row that hundreds of Ramadan observing Muslims broke their fast and held Taraweeh prayers at New York's Times Square. (With inputs from agencies)

Ramadan begins: Muslims in Times Square hold prayer vigil, show solidarity with Gaza

Pro-Palestine demonstators in London held a surprise demostration inside a mall showering pamphlets on unsuspecting shoppers. Watch the video to know more.

Israel war: Pro-Palestinian protesters march from UK's Hyde Park till US embassy

Israel war: Anti-govt protest flare up in Tel Aviv, mega rally for release of hostages

As the Gaza war continues, hopes for a ceasefire before Ramadan began to wane. The territory's health ministry reported that numerous people had died within the enclave.

Israel war: West's sham response to Gaza crisis | Biden's Gaza port plan fails

After Canada, Sweden has now announced that it will resume funding the UNRWA. This development comes after 16 countries paused funding to the agency.

Sweden resumes its funding to UNRWA as crisis worsens in Gaza

Israel war: Humanitarian crisis worsens in Gaza ahead of Ramadan, Biden says 'Truce deal is tough'

Israel war: Anti-government protesters in Tel Aviv block roads, clash with security forces

Israel war: Thousands march in London's pro-Palestine protest

In continued effort to secure the release of hostages still held captive in Gaza, Israeli spy chief met with his US counterpart on Saturday (March 9) Tel Aviv said.

"The head of the Mossad, David Barnea, met yesterday (Friday) with the head of the CIA, Bill Burns, as part of the ceaseless efforts to advance another hostage release deal," Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office said in a statement on behalf of the Mossad.

"Contacts and cooperation with the mediators continue all the time in an effort to narrow the gaps and reach agreements," said Mossad.

The statement comes amid mediators scrambling to secure a new ceasefire deal in the Gaza war before Ramadan which could begin as early as Sunday, depending on the lunar calendar.

The Israelis did not specify if the meeting took place on Friday (March 8) between Barnea and Burns.

"At this stage, Hamas is entrenching its positions like someone who is not interested in a deal and is striving to inflame the region during Ramadan at the expense of Palestinian residents of the Gaza Strip," it said.

Mossad also stated that Hamas was aiming for&nbsp;unrest in the area to worsen during Ramadan.&nbsp;

Israeli officials have stated that the conflict between the warring sides would come to an end only with the defeat of the Palestinian militant group Hamas.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-strikes-key-residential-tower-in-southern-rafah-as-ceasefire-talks-stall-698374">Israel strikes residential tower in southern Rafah as ceasefire talks stall</a>

<h2>Without truce before Ramadan, Israel and Jerusalem could be very, very dangerous, says Biden</h2>

United States President Joe Biden issued a warning this week stating that without a truce before Ramadan, "Israel and Jerusalem could be very, very dangerous" as he expressed doubt on Friday (Mar 8) about the possibility of achieving a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas before the Muslim holy month.

His remarks on the ceasefire come after he recently spoke in his State of the Union about addressing the increasing humanitarian crisis in Gaza since October 7.

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

In continued effort to secure the release of hostages still held captive in Gaza, Israeli spy chief met with his US counterpart on Saturday (March 9) Tel Aviv said.

In continued effort to secure the release of hostages still held captive in Gaza, Israeli spy chief met with his US counterpart on Saturday (March 9) Tel Aviv said. "The head of the Mossad, David Barnea, met yesterday (Friday) with the head of the CIA, Bill Burns, as part of the ceaseless efforts to advance another hostage release deal," Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office said in a statement on behalf of the Mossad. "Contacts and cooperation with the mediators continue all the time in an effort to narrow the gaps and reach agreements," said Mossad. The statement comes amid mediators scrambling to secure a new ceasefire deal in the Gaza war before Ramadan which could begin as early as Sunday, depending on the lunar calendar. The Israelis did not specify if the meeting took place on Friday (March 8) between Barnea and Burns. "At this stage, Hamas is entrenching its positions like someone who is not interested in a deal and is striving to inflame the region during Ramadan at the expense of Palestinian residents of the Gaza Strip," it said. Mossad also stated that Hamas was aiming for unrest in the area to worsen during Ramadan. Israeli officials have stated that the conflict between the warring sides would come to an end only with the defeat of the Palestinian militant group Hamas. Also read: Israel strikes residential tower in southern Rafah as ceasefire talks stall Without truce before Ramadan, Israel and Jerusalem could be very, very dangerous, says Biden United States President Joe Biden issued a warning this week stating that without a truce before Ramadan, "Israel and Jerusalem could be very, very dangerous" as he expressed doubt on Friday (Mar 8) about the possibility of achieving a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas before the Muslim holy month. His remarks on the ceasefire come after he recently spoke in his State of the Union about addressing the increasing humanitarian crisis in Gaza since October 7. (With inputs from agencies)

Israel says Hamas hardening stance on hostage deal to 'inflame region' during Ramadan

The United States has dispatched a military ship laden with humanitarian aid to war-torn Gaza, Central Command (CENTCOM) said on Sunday (March 10).

This comes after US President Joe Biden announced during his State of the Union address&nbsp; that the US military will build a temporary aid port on Gaza's Mediterranean coast to provide humanitarian aid to the besieged Palestinian enclave via sea.

General Frank S. Besson left Joint Base Langley-Eustis in Virginia "less than 36 hours after President Biden announced the U.S. would provide humanitarian assistance to Gaza by sea," CENTCOM said in a statement.

The logistics support vessel is "carrying the first equipment to establish a temporary pier to deliver vital humanitarian supplies," it said.

There is no port infrastructure in Gaza. The US plans to use Cyprus initially, which is offering a procedure for screening of cargoes that will include Israeli officials, eliminating the need for security checks in Gaza.

An Israeli official said Tel Aviv "fully supports the deployment of a temporary dock" on Gaza’s coast and the operation would be carried out "with full coordination between the two parties."&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israeli-strike-kills-5-in-southern-lebanon-amid-escalating-tensions-in-region-698451">Israeli strike kills 5 in Southern Lebanon amid escalating tensions in region</a>

<h2>Israel says Hamas hardening stance on hostage deal</h2>

Meanwhile, in a continued effort to secure the release of hostages still held captive in Gaza, the Israeli spy chief met with his US counterpart on Saturday (March 9), Tel Aviv said.

"The head of the Mossad, David Barnea, met yesterday (Friday) with the head of the CIA, Bill Burns, as part of the ceaseless efforts to advance another hostage release deal," Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office said in a statement on behalf of the Mossad.

"Contacts and cooperation with the mediators continue all the time in an effort to narrow the gaps and reach agreements," said Mossad.

The statement comes amid mediators scrambling to secure a new ceasefire deal in the Gaza war before Ramadan which could begin as early as Sunday, depending on the lunar calendar.

"At this stage, Hamas is entrenching its positions like someone who is not interested in a deal and is striving to inflame the region during Ramadan at the expense of Palestinian residents of the Gaza Strip," it said.

Mossad also stated that Hamas was aiming for unrest in the area to worsen during Ramadan.&nbsp;

Israeli officials have stated that the conflict between the warring sides would come to an end only with the defeat of the Palestinian militant group Hamas.

(With inputs from agencies)

The United States has dispatched a military ship laden with humanitarian aid to war-torn Gaza, Central Command (CENTCOM) said on Sunday (March 10). This comes after US President Joe Biden announced during his State of the Union address that the US military will build a temporary aid port on Gaza's Mediterranean coast to provide humanitarian aid to the besieged Palestinian enclave via sea.

The United States has dispatched a military ship laden with humanitarian aid to war-torn Gaza, Central Command (CENTCOM) said on Sunday (March 10). This comes after US President Joe Biden announced during his State of the Union address that the US military will build a temporary aid port on Gaza's Mediterranean coast to provide humanitarian aid to the besieged Palestinian enclave via sea. General Frank S. Besson left Joint Base Langley-Eustis in Virginia "less than 36 hours after President Biden announced the U.S. would provide humanitarian assistance to Gaza by sea," CENTCOM said in a statement. The logistics support vessel is "carrying the first equipment to establish a temporary pier to deliver vital humanitarian supplies," it said. There is no port infrastructure in Gaza. The US plans to use Cyprus initially, which is offering a procedure for screening of cargoes that will include Israeli officials, eliminating the need for security checks in Gaza. An Israeli official said Tel Aviv "fully supports the deployment of a temporary dock" on Gaza’s coast and the operation would be carried out "with full coordination between the two parties." Also read: Israeli strike kills 5 in Southern Lebanon amid escalating tensions in region Israel says Hamas hardening stance on hostage deal Meanwhile, in a continued effort to secure the release of hostages still held captive in Gaza, the Israeli spy chief met with his US counterpart on Saturday (March 9), Tel Aviv said. "The head of the Mossad, David Barnea, met yesterday (Friday) with the head of the CIA, Bill Burns, as part of the ceaseless efforts to advance another hostage release deal," Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office said in a statement on behalf of the Mossad. "Contacts and cooperation with the mediators continue all the time in an effort to narrow the gaps and reach agreements," said Mossad. The statement comes amid mediators scrambling to secure a new ceasefire deal in the Gaza war before Ramadan which could begin as early as Sunday, depending on the lunar calendar. "At this stage, Hamas is entrenching its positions like someone who is not interested in a deal and is striving to inflame the region during Ramadan at the expense of Palestinian residents of the Gaza Strip," it said. Mossad also stated that Hamas was aiming for unrest in the area to worsen during Ramadan. Israeli officials have stated that the conflict between the warring sides would come to an end only with the defeat of the Palestinian militant group Hamas. (With inputs from agencies)

Israel-Hamas war: US military dispatches ship laden with humanitarian aid to war-torn Gaza Strip

Israel war: Fund carrying aid to leave Cyprus for Gaza

In his third State of Union address, President Biden attempted to take a defiant political tone aimed at Netanyahu. He was caught in mic saying that he and the Israeli leader will need to have a 'Jesus meeting'. Watch to know more!

US: Biden says, 'Netanyahu hurting Israel more than he's helping the country' | World News | WION

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