U.S. completes first aid airdrop in Gaza, West Coast hit with dangerous winter storm: Weekend Rundown

Starvation intensifies in Gaza as cease-fire negotiations continue

Hamas officials arrived in Cairo on Sunday for talks on a cease-fire and hostage deal, the framework for which Israel “more or less” agreed to in Paris in late February. Israel is not sending a high-level delegation to Cairo talks, one Israeli official told NBC News, but is increasingly optimistic a deal can be reached by the start of Ramadan on March 10.

Any pause in fighting could also allow more aid into Gaza, amid warnings of dire humanitarian conditions.

The U.S. completed its first airdrop of humanitarian aid into Gaza Saturday morning, with three military planes dropping 66 pallets containing 38,000 meals, officials told NBC News. But aid organizations say the airdrops fall far short of meeting needs when many are facing starvation.

A UNICEF official said at least 10 children in Gaza have died of malnutrition and dehydration, and one U.N. official has accused Israel of “intentionally starving” Palestinians in Gaza.

This week Benny Gantz, a member of Israel’s war Cabinet, will meet with Vice President Kamala Harris, Secretary of State Antony Blinken and other U.S. officials.

Follow NBC News’ live coverage.

Trump wins more states ahead of Super Tuesday

Former President Donald Trump won more Republican contests this weekend — in Michigan, Missouri and Idaho.

Confusion stemming from an ugly GOP leadership dispute and other intraparty disarray hovered over the proceedings in Michigan, but Trump easily swept the chaotic caucuses.

As he campaigned in North Carolina on Saturday, Trump likened Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson to Martin Luther King Jr., despite the gubernatorial candidate’s long history of controversial comments about homosexuality, religion and