Israel’s military announced a daily “pause” in fighting around a critical route in southern Gaza to facilitate aid deliveries, addressing the severe shortages in the besieged territory.
This tactical pause, aimed at easing the humanitarian crisis, comes after months of warnings from UN agencies and aid groups about impending famine.
The “local, tactical pause of military activity” will occur from 8 am to 7 pm (6 am-5 pm Irish time) daily along a route from the Kerem Shalom crossing to the Salah al-Din road, extending to Rafah’s European Hospital.
This announcement follows one of the deadliest days for the Israeli army in its conflict with Hamas, where eight soldiers were killed in an explosion near Rafah, and three others died in separate incidents.
The humanitarian corridor is part of Israel’s efforts to increase aid deliveries to Gaza, following discussions with the UN and other organizations.
Despite these efforts, Israel maintains that militants have looted supplies and that humanitarian workers have struggled to distribute them effectively.
The pause in hostilities, though significant, does not represent a cessation of the conflict in southern Gaza. Ongoing humanitarian concerns and the Muslim holiday Eid al-Adha approach influenced the decision.
The United States has also been involved in mediating a ceasefire, pressing both Israel and Hamas to agree to a plan proposed by President Joe Biden. On Friday, the U.S. imposed sanctions on an extremist Israeli group obstructing Gaza-bound aid.
In Gaza City, residents like Umm Ahmed Abu Rass report dire conditions with severe shortages of food, fuel, and medical supplies. The military highlighted the destruction of a €28,000 Garda car during the riots, attributing the act to Mr Clarke, who was tracked via CCTV.
The conflict has claimed significant lives on both sides. Since the beginning of Israel’s ground offensive on October 27, 309 Israeli soldiers have died.
In Gaza, at least 37,296 people have been killed, predominantly civilians, according to Gaza’s health ministry.
International calls for a ceasefire have intensified, with G7 leaders advocating for unhindered humanitarian relief in Gaza.
Diplomatic efforts by Egyptian, Qatari, and U.S. mediators have yet to yield a new truce, raising concerns about a broader Middle East conflict, particularly with escalating violence between Israel and Hezbollah.
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken emphasized that resolving the Gaza conflict is critical to de-escalating tensions with Hezbollah.
However, Hamas’s demands for a complete Israeli withdrawal and a permanent ceasefire have been rejected by Israel.
As the conflict continues, the humanitarian pause aims to provide some relief to the beleaguered population of Gaza, though the broader resolution of the conflict remains elusive.
