Aid Ship Departs Cyprus for Gaza Amid Famine Fears

A ship carrying 200 tonnes of aid for Gaza left Cyprus in a pilot project to open a sea route to deliver supplies to a population aid agencies say is on the brink of famine. The U.N. estimates a quarter of the population in the enclave is now at risk of starvation, particularly in Gaza's north, which it says Israel has effectively put beyond reach of all supplies. Negotiators seeking a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, which controls Gaza, were not close to a deal. The U.S. military said its vessel, the General Frank S. Besson, was also en route to provide humanitarian relief to Gaza by sea. The U.N. humanitarian office welcomed efforts to provide aid by sea and air, but warned it would not be enough.