In response to the escalating hunger crisis in Gaza, a three-ship convoy loaded with 400 tons of food and supplies set sail from Cyprus on Saturday. The ships, whose arrival date in Gaza remains unclear, aim to provide much-needed assistance to the territory, which has been devastated and largely isolated.

Earlier this month, an Open Arms ship launched a direct sea route to Gaza, delivering 200 tons of food, water, and aid. However, humanitarian officials argue that these deliveries by sea and air are insufficient, urging Israel to allow greater access for aid to reach Gaza by road.

The dire situation has prompted the United Nations and its partners to warn that famine could strike northern Gaza as early as this month. In response, the top U.N. court has ordered Israel to open additional land crossings and implement measures to address the humanitarian crisis.

Meanwhile, the United States has expressed its support for the formation of a new Palestinian autonomy government, viewing it as a step towards political reform. The Biden administration hopes that reinvigorating the West Bank-based Palestinian Authority will enable it to administer the Gaza Strip once the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas concludes.

However, both Israel and Hamas have rejected the idea of the Palestinian Authority taking control of Gaza. Hamas, which ousted Abbas' security forces in 2007, deems the new Palestinian government as illegitimate, while the authority lacks popular support due to its security cooperation with Israel in the West Bank.

The recent conflict, triggered by Hamas-led militants launching attacks on southern Israel, has resulted in devastating casualties. Over 1,200 people, mainly civilians, have lost their lives, with an additional 400 Palestinians killed by Israeli forces or settlers in the West Bank or East Jerusalem.

Reconstruction efforts in Gaza will pose a significant challenge for any administration due to severe damage to critical infrastructure, including hospitals, schools, homes, roads, sewage systems, and the electrical grid. According to local health authorities, the airstrikes and ground offensive have claimed the lives of 32,705 Palestinians, with 82 bodies taken to hospitals in the last 24 hours.

The fighting has forced more than 80% of Gaza's population to flee their homes and has pushed hundreds of thousands to the brink of famine, as per the United Nations and international aid agencies. Despite the recent demand for a ceasefire by the United Nations Security Council, Israel's military continues to strike targets in Gaza.

Humanitarian aid has also been delivered to Gaza, with the U.S. military conducting a large-scale airdrop, releasing over 100,000 pounds of aid on Friday alone. This effort is part of a multi-country initiative to support the suffering population.

Looking forward, Israel has stated that it will maintain indefinite security control over Gaza and collaborate with Palestinians not affiliated with the Palestinian Authority or Hamas. However, it remains uncertain whether there are individuals in Gaza willing to take on such a role, as Hamas has issued a warning against cooperation with Israel, threatening anyone who does so with the label of a collaborator.

In light of the prolonged national elections absence, Hamas is advocating for all Palestinian factions to establish a power-sharing government. However, national elections have not taken place in 18 years, leaving the political landscape in a state of uncertainty.