The United Nations says a famine is “inevitable” in Gaza. What will happen to the children of Gaza? Priyanka Sharma explores.

Gravitas | No ceasefire: Children in Gaza die of starvation

As Gaza's hunger crisis worsens, emaciated children seen at hospitals. At least 15 children dead from dehydration at Gaza hospital. W.H.O. representative for Gaza and the West Bank, said that one in six children under two years of age were acutely malnourished in northern Gaza.

Israel-Hamas War | Dead horses, scraps, leaves: Gaza's hungry get desperate

Washington has approved more than 100 separate military sales to Israel since it invaded Gaza, even as officials complain Israeli leaders have not done enough to protect civilians. Watch the video to know more.

Israel-Hamas War: US democrats question arms to Israel: Gaza suffering persists

Even as thousands died to Israeli retaliatory fire on Gaza, the United States, as per a damning report, made over 100 weapons sales to Israel, including thousands of bombs, since the start of the Israel-Hamas war.&nbsp;

The war which began on Oct 7 with militant group Hamas'&nbsp;cross-border attack on Israel has to date claimed around 31,200 lives — 1,200 Israelis that were killed in the initial Hamas attack and around 30,000 Palestinians.

<h2>US' clandestine weapon sales to Israel</h2>

As per a Washington Post report, since the start of the Gaza war, the US has made over 100 weapon&nbsp;sales to Israel. These transactions, however, escaped congressional approval due to a loophole — their individual amounts were below the threshold requiring such oversight.

This revelation comes as the Biden administration has increasingly been publicly critical of Israel's military operations in Gaza and its limited humanitarian aid access.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-hamas-war-us-airdrops-fresh-round-of-humanitarian-aid-to-gaza-36800-meals-delivered-697053">Israel-Hamas war: US airdrops fresh round of humanitarian aid to Gaza; 36,800 meals delivered</a>

Apparently, even as America voiced humanitarian concerns, it has quietly continued to provide substantial munitions to replace the tens and thousands of bombs dropped on the Gaza Strip.

As per the Washington Post report, administration officials were recently informed of these sales via a classified briefing.&nbsp;

Only a few details of these sales are known, because to keep them small, their contents were kept secret. Reportedly, these sales included precision-guided munitions, small-diameter bombs, bunker busters, small arms, and other lethal aid.

<h2>US Arms Export Control Law</h2>

As per The Guardian, the Arms Export Control Act allows exceptions for arms sales to close allies, with a limit of $25 million for "major defence equipment" and $100 million for other "defence articles" like bombs.&nbsp;

Ari Tolany, director of the security assistance monitor at the Center for International Policy, a think tank, criticised this loophole as an attempt to avoid transparency and accountability.

"This doesn’t just seem like an attempt to avoid technical compliance with US arms export law, it’s an extremely troubling way to avoid transparency and accountability on a high-profile issue," she said.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/beaten-attacked-by-dogs-raped-un-report-alleges-palestinians-suffering-horrible-abuse-in-israeli-detention-697167">Beaten, attacked by dogs, raped: UN report alleges Palestinians suffering horrible abuse in Israeli detention</a>

The Biden administration's actions compare to those of the Trump administration, which as per findings of the State Department Office of the Inspector General made thousands of below-threshold arms transfers to Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, totalling an estimated $11.2 billion.

In exploiting this loophole, "They're very much borrowing from the Trump playbook to dodge congressional oversight," said Tolany.

These clandestine sales are besides the three major military sales publicly disclosed since the conflict's onset: $320 million worth of precision bomb kits in November and 14,000 tank shells valued at $106 million. Furthermore, $147.5 million was allocated for fuses and other components essential for the production of 155&nbsp;mm artillery shells in December.&nbsp;

Notably, the deliveries in December, which included tank and artillery shells, also evaded congressional scrutiny by being executed under emergency authority.&nbsp;

On Monday (Mar 4), Matthew Miller, the State Department spokesperson in a press briefing, said, "We continue to support Israel’s campaign to ensure that the attacks of 7 October cannot be repeated. We have provided military assistance to Israel because it is consistent with that goal."

"We support Israel’s legitimate military campaign consistent with international humanitarian law."

(With inputs from agencies)

Even as thousands died to Israeli retaliatory fire on Gaza, the United States, as per a damning report, made over 100 weapons sales to Israel, including thousands of bombs, since the start of the Israel-Hamas war.

Even as thousands died to Israeli retaliatory fire on Gaza, the United States, as per a damning report, made over 100 weapons sales to Israel, including thousands of bombs, since the start of the Israel-Hamas war. The war which began on Oct 7 with militant group Hamas' cross-border attack on Israel has to date claimed around 31,200 lives — 1,200 Israelis that were killed in the initial Hamas attack and around 30,000 Palestinians. US' clandestine weapon sales to Israel As per a Washington Post report, since the start of the Gaza war, the US has made over 100 weapon sales to Israel. These transactions, however, escaped congressional approval due to a loophole — their individual amounts were below the threshold requiring such oversight. This revelation comes as the Biden administration has increasingly been publicly critical of Israel's military operations in Gaza and its limited humanitarian aid access. Also read | Israel-Hamas war: US airdrops fresh round of humanitarian aid to Gaza; 36,800 meals delivered Apparently, even as America voiced humanitarian concerns, it has quietly continued to provide substantial munitions to replace the tens and thousands of bombs dropped on the Gaza Strip. As per the Washington Post report, administration officials were recently informed of these sales via a classified briefing. Only a few details of these sales are known, because to keep them small, their contents were kept secret. Reportedly, these sales included precision-guided munitions, small-diameter bombs, bunker busters, small arms, and other lethal aid. US Arms Export Control Law As per The Guardian, the Arms Export Control Act allows exceptions for arms sales to close allies, with a limit of $25 million for "major defence equipment" and $100 million for other "defence articles" like bombs. Ari Tolany, director of the security assistance monitor at the Center for International Policy, a think tank, criticised this loophole as an attempt to avoid transparency and accountability. "This doesn’t just seem like an attempt to avoid technical compliance with US arms export law, it’s an extremely troubling way to avoid transparency and accountability on a high-profile issue," she said. Also read | Beaten, attacked by dogs, raped: UN report alleges Palestinians suffering horrible abuse in Israeli detention The Biden administration's actions compare to those of the Trump administration, which as per findings of the State Department Office of the Inspector General made thousands of below-threshold arms transfers to Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, totalling an estimated $11.2 billion. In exploiting this loophole, "They're very much borrowing from the Trump playbook to dodge congressional oversight," said Tolany. These clandestine sales are besides the three major military sales publicly disclosed since the conflict's onset: $320 million worth of precision bomb kits in November and 14,000 tank shells valued at $106 million. Furthermore, $147.5 million was allocated for fuses and other components essential for the production of 155 mm artillery shells in December. Notably, the deliveries in December, which included tank and artillery shells, also evaded congressional scrutiny by being executed under emergency authority. On Monday (Mar 4), Matthew Miller, the State Department spokesperson in a press briefing, said, "We continue to support Israel’s campaign to ensure that the attacks of 7 October cannot be repeated. We have provided military assistance to Israel because it is consistent with that goal." "We support Israel’s legitimate military campaign consistent with international humanitarian law." (With inputs from agencies)

US exploited 'loophole' to quietly sell weapons to Israel amidst Gaza bloodshed: Report

Israel's government has advanced plans for more than 3000 new homes in settlements in the occupied West Bank. About 70% of the homes will be built in Maale Adumim, east of Jerusalem, with the rest in nearby Kedar and Efrat, south of Bethlehem.

Israel-Hamas War: Israel advances plan to build settlements in occupied West Bank

The US has sent tens of thousands of weapons including bombs and precision guided munitions to Israel since Hamas October 7 attacks using procedures that have largely masked the scale of the administration's military support for its closest Middle East ally, according to current and former US officials.

Israel-Hamas War: US arms pipeline to Israel avoids public disclosure

Israel's government has advanced plans for more than 3,000 new homes in settlements in the occupied West Bank. The Palestinian Authority condemned the plans, which are reportedly the first to be approved since June.

Israel advances plan to build West Bank settlements

Israel-Hamas War: Explained US arms pipeline to Israel avoids public disclosure

A Houthi missile attack killed three seafarers on a Red Sea merchant ship on Wednesday, U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) said, the first fatalities reported since the Iran-aligned Yemeni group began strikes against shipping in one of the world's busiest trade lanes. The Houthis claimed responsibility for the attack, which set the Greek-owned, Barbados-flagged ship True Confidence ablaze around 50 nautical miles off the coast of Yemen's port of Aden.

Red Sea Crisis: 3 killed in Yemen Houthis' first fatal attack on Red Sea shipping

At least 11 people lost their lives after an Israeli strike hit tents housing displaced civilians near a hospital in the southern city of Rafah on Saturday (March 2), said Gaza's Hamas-run health ministry.

It further said that another 50 people were injured in the strike next to a hospital in the Tel Al-Sultan area of Rafah.

One of the deceased victims was a medic at the hospital and children were also injured in the blast, ministry spokesman Ashraf al-Qudra said in a statement.

"Eleven citizens were martyred and about 50 injured, including children, as a result of Israeli forces targeting tents of displaced people near the Emirati hospital," AFP quoted Qudra as saying.

One of the witnesses said that the strike hit a tent where people had taken shelter.&nbsp;

"The strike hit one tent, where people took shelter, directly, the shrapnel came inside the hospital where I and friends were sitting, we survived by a miracle," news agency Reuters quoted a witness as saying.

"Destruction is everywhere and there are many martyrs," said Rafah resident Belal Abu Jekhleh.

"Suddenly the glass shattered and a fire broke out. Everyone fled, some were martyred and others injured. I was injured in my hands and head, and my brother was also injured," he added.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-conducts-initial-airdrop-of-humanitarian-assistance-into-gaza-officials-say-695953">US conducts initial airdrop of humanitarian assistance into Gaza</a>

The Israeli army in a statement confirmed that it conducted a strike near the hospital.

"The precision strike was conducted against Islamic Jihad terrorists and no damage was caused to the hospital in the area," the army said in a statement.

World Health Organisation chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus took to his official X account and termed the strike as "outrageous and unspeakable".

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Reports that tents sheltering displaced people in Rafah were bombed - reportedly killing 11 people and injuring 50, including children - are outrageous and unspeakable. 
 
Among those killed are two health workers. 
 
Health workers and civilians are <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NotATarget?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NotATarget</a>, and must be…
— Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus (@DrTedros) <a href="https://twitter.com/DrTedros/status/1763995475999420430?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 2, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

&nbsp;

The Israeli army has carried out multiple strikes targeting hospitals in the Gaza Strip since the war broke out between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas.

Israel has accused Hamas of using hospitals for its military activities, a claim which the Palestinian group repeatedly denies.

(With inputs from agencies)

Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments on the Israel-Palestine conflict after the Hamas attacks. However, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

At least 11 people lost their lives after an Israeli strike hit tents housing displaced civilians near a hospital in the southern city of Rafah on Saturday (March 2), said Gaza's Hamas-run health ministry.

At least 11 people lost their lives after an Israeli strike hit tents housing displaced civilians near a hospital in the southern city of Rafah on Saturday (March 2), said Gaza's Hamas-run health ministry. It further said that another 50 people were injured in the strike next to a hospital in the Tel Al-Sultan area of Rafah. One of the deceased victims was a medic at the hospital and children were also injured in the blast, ministry spokesman Ashraf al-Qudra said in a statement. "Eleven citizens were martyred and about 50 injured, including children, as a result of Israeli forces targeting tents of displaced people near the Emirati hospital," AFP quoted Qudra as saying. One of the witnesses said that the strike hit a tent where people had taken shelter. "The strike hit one tent, where people took shelter, directly, the shrapnel came inside the hospital where I and friends were sitting, we survived by a miracle," news agency Reuters quoted a witness as saying. "Destruction is everywhere and there are many martyrs," said Rafah resident Belal Abu Jekhleh. "Suddenly the glass shattered and a fire broke out. Everyone fled, some were martyred and others injured. I was injured in my hands and head, and my brother was also injured," he added. Also read: US conducts initial airdrop of humanitarian assistance into Gaza The Israeli army in a statement confirmed that it conducted a strike near the hospital. "The precision strike was conducted against Islamic Jihad terrorists and no damage was caused to the hospital in the area," the army said in a statement. World Health Organisation chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus took to his official X account and termed the strike as "outrageous and unspeakable". Reports that tents sheltering displaced people in Rafah were bombed - reportedly killing 11 people and injuring 50, including children - are outrageous and unspeakable. Among those killed are two health workers. Health workers and civilians are #NotATarget, and must be… — Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus (@DrTedros) March 2, 2024 × The Israeli army has carried out multiple strikes targeting hospitals in the Gaza Strip since the war broke out between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas. Israel has accused Hamas of using hospitals for its military activities, a claim which the Palestinian group repeatedly denies. (With inputs from agencies) Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments on the Israel-Palestine conflict after the Hamas attacks. However, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

Israeli strike near Rafah hospital claims lives of 11, says Hamas

Israel-Hamas War: US sent thousands of weapons to Israel since October 7 attack

Israel-Hamas War: How the US arms pipeline to Israel avoids public disclosure

After a UN report acknowledged that there were "reasonable grounds to believe" sexual violence, including rape and gang rape, occurred during the Oct&nbsp;7 attack by Hamas militants on Israel, another report has revealed harrowing details of abuse faced by Palestinians in Israeli detention centres.

Reportedly, Palestinians in Israeli detention have been subjected to torture including beatings, dog attacks, the prolonged use of stress positions and even sexual assault.

<h2>The UN report</h2>

As per The Guardian, this report has been compiled by the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine (UNRWA). It is largely based on interviews of Palestinian detainees who have been released at the Kerem Shalom crossing point since December.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/un-finds-credible-evidence-of-sexual-violence-including-gang-rapes-during-in-hamas-attack-on-israel-696611">UN finds 'credible' evidence of sexual violence, including gang rapes, during Hamas attack on Israel</a>

The report has been "widely circulated" within the UN and was seen by the British publication. According to the UNRWA report, just over 1,000 detainees have been released since December, and another 3,000 remain in Israeli custody.

Its estimates show that since the start of the Gaza war, over 4,000 men, women, and children have been rounded up by Tel Aviv.

Watch |&nbsp;Israel-Hamas War: 4 Nations airdrop aid, Gaza suffering persists

<iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" data-gtm-yt-inspected-20="true" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/israel-hamas-war-4-nations-airdrop-aid-gaza-suffering-persists-697046/embed" width="560"></iframe>

"Detainees reported being taken on trucks to large makeshift 'military barracks' housing 100-120 people each, where they were held, often for weeks at a time, in between periods of interrogation at a nearby location," said the UNRWA document, as reported by the New York Times.

<h2>Methods of ill-treatment</h2>

As per the report, "Methods of ill-treatment reported included physical beatings, forced stress positions for extended periods of time, threats of harm to detainees and their families, attacks by dogs, insults to personal dignity and humiliation such as being made to act like animals or getting urinated on, use of loud music and noises, deprivation of water, food, sleep and toilets, denial of the right to practice their religion (to pray) and prolonged use of tightly locked handcuffs causing open wounds and friction injuries."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-hamas-war-us-airdrops-fresh-round-of-humanitarian-aid-to-gaza-36800-meals-delivered-697053">Israel-Hamas war: US airdrops fresh round of humanitarian aid to Gaza; 36,800 meals delivered</a>

"The beatings included blunt force trauma to the head, shoulders, kidneys, neck, back and legs with metal bars and the butts of guns and boots, in some cases resulting in broken ribs, separated shoulders and lasting injuries," it alleges.

"While in an off-site location, several individuals reported being forced into cages and attacked by dogs, with some individuals, including a child exhibiting dog bite wounds on release."

Of the 1,002 detainees released since December, 29 were children as young as six years old. Others included 80 women and 21 UNRWA staff, some of whom had chronic conditions such as Alzheimer’s or cancer.

<h2>Israel denies allegations</h2>

Denying the abuse allegations, Israel described them as "Hamas-inspired propaganda". The nation has also named 12 UNRWA staff, who it claims took part in the&nbsp;October 7 attack. It also claims that 450 of the UNRWA's 13,000 workers in Gaza are members of Hamas or other militant groups.

(With inputs from agencies)

Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments on the Israel-Palestine conflict after the Hamas attacks. However, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

After a UN report acknowledged that there were "reasonable grounds to believe" sexual violence, including rape and gang rape, occurred during the Oct 7 attack by Hamas militants on Israel, another report has revealed harrowing details of abuse faced by Palestinians in Israeli detention centres.

After a UN report acknowledged that there were "reasonable grounds to believe" sexual violence, including rape and gang rape, occurred during the Oct 7 attack by Hamas militants on Israel, another report has revealed harrowing details of abuse faced by Palestinians in Israeli detention centres. Reportedly, Palestinians in Israeli detention have been subjected to torture including beatings, dog attacks, the prolonged use of stress positions and even sexual assault. The UN report As per The Guardian, this report has been compiled by the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine (UNRWA). It is largely based on interviews of Palestinian detainees who have been released at the Kerem Shalom crossing point since December. Also read | UN finds 'credible' evidence of sexual violence, including gang rapes, during Hamas attack on Israel The report has been "widely circulated" within the UN and was seen by the British publication. According to the UNRWA report, just over 1,000 detainees have been released since December, and another 3,000 remain in Israeli custody. Its estimates show that since the start of the Gaza war, over 4,000 men, women, and children have been rounded up by Tel Aviv. Watch | Israel-Hamas War: 4 Nations airdrop aid, Gaza suffering persists "Detainees reported being taken on trucks to large makeshift 'military barracks' housing 100-120 people each, where they were held, often for weeks at a time, in between periods of interrogation at a nearby location," said the UNRWA document, as reported by the New York Times. Methods of ill-treatment As per the report, "Methods of ill-treatment reported included physical beatings, forced stress positions for extended periods of time, threats of harm to detainees and their families, attacks by dogs, insults to personal dignity and humiliation such as being made to act like animals or getting urinated on, use of loud music and noises, deprivation of water, food, sleep and toilets, denial of the right to practice their religion (to pray) and prolonged use of tightly locked handcuffs causing open wounds and friction injuries." Also read | Israel-Hamas war: US airdrops fresh round of humanitarian aid to Gaza; 36,800 meals delivered "The beatings included blunt force trauma to the head, shoulders, kidneys, neck, back and legs with metal bars and the butts of guns and boots, in some cases resulting in broken ribs, separated shoulders and lasting injuries," it alleges. "While in an off-site location, several individuals reported being forced into cages and attacked by dogs, with some individuals, including a child exhibiting dog bite wounds on release." Of the 1,002 detainees released since December, 29 were children as young as six years old. Others included 80 women and 21 UNRWA staff, some of whom had chronic conditions such as Alzheimer’s or cancer. Israel denies allegations Denying the abuse allegations, Israel described them as "Hamas-inspired propaganda". The nation has also named 12 UNRWA staff, who it claims took part in the October 7 attack. It also claims that 450 of the UNRWA's 13,000 workers in Gaza are members of Hamas or other militant groups. (With inputs from agencies) Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments on the Israel-Palestine conflict after the Hamas attacks. However, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

Beaten, attacked by dogs, raped: UN report alleges Palestinians suffering horrible abuse in Israeli detention

Israel-Hamas War: Israel approves over 3000 new settlements in occupied West Bank

Israel-Hamas War | Decoded: US arms pipeline to Israel avoids public disclosure

Hamas and Egyptian mediators said they were going ahead with talks in Cairo on securing a ceasefire in Gaza, despite Israel's decision not to send a delegation, as Washington pressed again for a truce.

Isarel war: US, Qatar & Egypt try to broker ceasefire deal

Egyptian and Qatari officials are putting pressure on Hamas negotiators in Cairo to produce a list of hostages to be released as the first step in a phased ceasefire agreement with Israel.

Israel War: Hamas negotiators under pressure to release hostages list

The United States military on Tuesday (March 5) carried out a fresh round of airdrop&nbsp;of humanitarian aid to Palestinians in Gaza, delivering over 36,800 meals. This effort, as per Reuters, comes as the Joe Biden administration pushed&nbsp;for increased aid access during discussions with top Israeli officials in Washington.

<h2>Air dropped aid</h2>

The situation in Gaza is dire, with over 2.3 million people displaced due to the ongoing Israeli offensive, which is supported by the US. Already there are reports of people dying of malnutrition. As per the Hamas-controlled Health Ministry in Gaza, at least 15 children died in one hospital alone.&nbsp;

America made its first airdrop to Gaza on Saturday. The humanitarian aid was dropped over the coast of southwestern Gaza. &nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/un-finds-credible-evidence-of-sexual-violence-including-gang-rapes-during-in-hamas-attack-on-israel-696611">UN finds 'credible' evidence of sexual violence, including gang rapes, during Hamas attack on Israel</a>

While air-dropped aid helps, US officials, as per Reuters, have warned that it is costly and not enough to meet the scale of the crisis.&nbsp;

The Biden administration is advocating for increased land access to provide humanitarian assistance.

Matt Miller, the US State Department spokesperson, described the humanitarian situation in Gaza as "horrific",&nbsp;with aid supplies dwindling to almost nothing over the past month.

Recently, during a meeting at the Pentagon, US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin urged Benny Gantz, a member of Israel's war cabinet, to support increased humanitarian aid distribution in Gaza.

Watch |&nbsp;Israel-Hamas War: 4 Nations airdrop aid, Gaza suffering persists

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/israel-hamas-war-4-nations-airdrop-aid-gaza-suffering-persists-697046/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Speaking of the meeting, Air Force Major General Patrick Ryder said: "Secretary (Austin) expressed strong concerns over the humanitarian situation in Gaza and requested Minister Gantz’s support in enabling more humanitarian assistance and distribution into Gaza."

While Gantz did not comment at the Pentagon, he described his meeting with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken as "very good".

<h2>Aid supplies running out</h2>

As per Reuters, aid supplies in Gaza have been sharply curtailed since the start of the Israel-Hamas war, and have dwindled to almost nothing&nbsp;in the past month.

In a post on X, President Joe Biden reiterated the US' commitment to providing aid to Gaza, and said his country is "committed to pulling out every stop to get more aid to those in Gaza who desperately need it."

"We won't stand by. We won't let up," he added.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/kamala-harris-issues-us-sharpest-rebuke-yet-calls-out-israel-for-the-catastrophe-says-it-must-do-more-696260">Kamala Harris issues US' sharpest rebuke yet, calls out Israel for the 'catastrophe', says it 'must do more'</a>

As per the report, the United States has repeatedly urged Israel to do more to address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where thousands of Palestinians have been killed in the Israeli assault launched in response to the&nbsp;Hamas attacks.

There is interest in establishing a maritime corridor for aid delivery to Gaza, however, logistical challenges remain, including how aid would be facilitated without a US military presence on the ground.

Pentagon spokesperson Ryder indicated that there are currently "no plans" to deploy US forces in Gaza for aid distribution purposes.

(With inputs from agencies)

The United States military on Tuesday (March 5) carried out a fresh round of airdrop of humanitarian aid to Palestinians in Gaza, delivering over 36,800 meals. This effort, as per Reuters, comes as the Joe Biden administration pushed for increased aid access during discussions with top Israeli officials in Washington.

The United States military on Tuesday (March 5) carried out a fresh round of airdrop of humanitarian aid to Palestinians in Gaza, delivering over 36,800 meals. This effort, as per Reuters, comes as the Joe Biden administration pushed for increased aid access during discussions with top Israeli officials in Washington. Air dropped aid The situation in Gaza is dire, with over 2.3 million people displaced due to the ongoing Israeli offensive, which is supported by the US. Already there are reports of people dying of malnutrition. As per the Hamas-controlled Health Ministry in Gaza, at least 15 children died in one hospital alone. America made its first airdrop to Gaza on Saturday. The humanitarian aid was dropped over the coast of southwestern Gaza. Also read | UN finds 'credible' evidence of sexual violence, including gang rapes, during Hamas attack on Israel While air-dropped aid helps, US officials, as per Reuters, have warned that it is costly and not enough to meet the scale of the crisis. The Biden administration is advocating for increased land access to provide humanitarian assistance. Matt Miller, the US State Department spokesperson, described the humanitarian situation in Gaza as "horrific", with aid supplies dwindling to almost nothing over the past month. Recently, during a meeting at the Pentagon, US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin urged Benny Gantz, a member of Israel's war cabinet, to support increased humanitarian aid distribution in Gaza. Watch | Israel-Hamas War: 4 Nations airdrop aid, Gaza suffering persists Speaking of the meeting, Air Force Major General Patrick Ryder said: "Secretary (Austin) expressed strong concerns over the humanitarian situation in Gaza and requested Minister Gantz’s support in enabling more humanitarian assistance and distribution into Gaza." While Gantz did not comment at the Pentagon, he described his meeting with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken as "very good". Aid supplies running out As per Reuters, aid supplies in Gaza have been sharply curtailed since the start of the Israel-Hamas war, and have dwindled to almost nothing in the past month. In a post on X, President Joe Biden reiterated the US' commitment to providing aid to Gaza, and said his country is "committed to pulling out every stop to get more aid to those in Gaza who desperately need it." "We won't stand by. We won't let up," he added. Also read | Kamala Harris issues US' sharpest rebuke yet, calls out Israel for the 'catastrophe', says it 'must do more' As per the report, the United States has repeatedly urged Israel to do more to address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where thousands of Palestinians have been killed in the Israeli assault launched in response to the Hamas attacks. There is interest in establishing a maritime corridor for aid delivery to Gaza, however, logistical challenges remain, including how aid would be facilitated without a US military presence on the ground. Pentagon spokesperson Ryder indicated that there are currently "no plans" to deploy US forces in Gaza for aid distribution purposes. (With inputs from agencies)

Israel-Hamas war: US airdrops fresh round of humanitarian aid to Gaza; 36,800 meals delivered

Aid professionals say dropping aid from planes is an expensive, inefficient way to deliver aid to a population, and that the missions now being flown are insufficient to meet the needs of the more than 2 million people trapped inside Gaza. Here’s what to know:

Israel-Hamas War: Are airdrops an effective way to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza?

The health of infants, pregnant and breastfeeding mothers in the Gaza Strip is seriously threatened by a sharp increase in malnutrition, according to a thorough new analysis published by the Global Nutrition Cluster.

Israel War: US President Biden's unwavering support for Israel makes some voters

US military cargo planes have air-dropped food into Gaza, in the first of series of aid drops as aid agencies criticise Israel for blocking access to the besieged and bombarded strip.

Israel-Hamas War: 4 Nations airdrop aid, Gaza suffering persists

Israel War: North Gaza areas beyond reach of aid agencies | Malnutrition, dehydration killing Gazans

Israel War: US President Joe Biden says, 'We must get more aid into Gaza, no excuses'

US President Joe Biden said that a deal for a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip in exchange for the release of Israeli hostages was in the hands of Hamas, as delegations held a third day of talks with no sign of a breakthrough.

US: Gaza ceasefire is 'in hands of Hamas', says Joe Biden

hamas

Hamas, News on Hamas, stories on Hamas, articles on Hamas, Hamas stories at Wion, Hamas news, Hamas latest news