Diplomatic reporter Lazar Berman on scrutiny of humanitarian efforts in the Strip, the ripple effects of France's intended declaration of a Palestinian state, and a Shabbat miracle The post Daily Briefing July 28: Day 661 – Flood,

Hamas expresses "surprise" after US envoy Steve Witkoff also accuses the group of showing "a lack of desire to reach a ceasefire".

Israel increased humanitarian aid, agreed to unilateral ceasefires, due to mounting pressure from the US and UN, despite potential harm to war effort and loss of leverage in hostage release negotiations,

US Senator Lindsey Graham stated on Sunday that the Israeli Defense Forces will soon undergo a change in tactics in their ongoing military campaign

Trump claimed that he had backlash from some of his supporters but stressed he decided to send aid to Gaza anyway because there is “a humanitarian reason for doing it.”

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) began to facilitate increased humanitarian aid to Gaza on July 26, the IDF said, including completing new air drops of assistance, opening new humanitarian corridors, and pausing fighting in areas of the territory during the day.

Efforts to end the relentless siege of Gaza have been set back by the abrupt end to peace talks in Qatar. Both the United States and Israel have withdrawn their negotiating teams, accusing Hamas of a “lack of desire to reach a ceasefire.

The shift reflects a growing realization in Jerusalem that Israel’s goals cannot be achieved without preserving a degree of international legitimacy. There are no constant conditions in warfare, the ancient Chinese military strategist and philosopher Sun Tzu wrote some 25 centuries ago: “He who can modify his tactics in relation to his opponent will succeed and win.

US President Donald Trump has voiced confidence that a ceasefire deal in Gaza could be agreed this week after Hamas announced that it had “submitted a positive response” to a proposal for a 60-day truce with Israel.

Militants “didn’t want to make” a deal, Trump said after U.S., Israeli ceasefire negotiators pulled back from talks.