The U.S. and Israel have worked together with contractors to create a new mechanism for distributing aid directly to Gazans, unlike the United Nations effort that allowed Hamas to steal the aid. Before the distribution began, Hamas issued a warning to Gazans not to participate in the U.S.-backed effort. Yet Gazans ignored the warning, and hundreds of thousands of meals were distributed in the first day of operation. In a further sign that Hamas, which has been controlling the flow of food and supplies, is losing its grip, a mob broke into a warehouse in central Gaza to take flour.
Unfortunately, by pushing for another cease-fire when Israel has the momentum, the U.S. could end up tossing Hamas a lifeline.