The Israeli army has announced a limited daily “tactical pause” along one of Gaza Strip’s main roads to facilitate the delivery of increased humanitarian aid. This pause does not signify a cessation of hostilities in the southern Gaza Strip, as clarified by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF).
The IDF’s announcement came as three more soldiers were reported dead, bringing the total to 11, including eight killed in Rafah. The tactical pause, declared as Muslims worldwide began Eid al-Adha, highlights the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza after eight months of conflict.
The pause, a result of discussions with Egypt and US pressure, aims to increase the humanitarian aid flow into Gaza. Jens Laerke, spokesperson for the UN’s Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), welcomed the announcement but noted that more aid has yet to reach those in need.
Starting at 8 am and lasting until 7 pm daily, the pause will facilitate aid trucks’ movement along the Salah al-Din road from the Kerem Shalom crossing. This effort, coordinated with the UN and international aid agencies, is crucial for addressing Gaza’s humanitarian needs.
Israel’s far-right national security minister, Itamar Ben-Gvir, condemned the decision, criticizing the allowance of humanitarian aid during ongoing battles. This sentiment underscores the political tension within Israel regarding the conflict.
Hamas fighters have shifted tactics to insurgent methods, using IEDs and hit-and-run attacks. The Israeli military’s losses are among the heaviest since the ground offensive began on October 27, fueling calls for a ceasefire and increasing public anger over military exemptions.
The humanitarian crisis in Gaza has led to widespread hunger and displacement. Despite the average of 201 aid trucks entering Gaza daily, much aid remains stuck at crossings. The UN reports a significant decline in aid flow, with only 68 trucks a day received in June, far below the needed 500.
On Saturday night, tens of thousands of Israelis protested in Tel Aviv, demanding a ceasefire and expressing frustration with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government. Meanwhile, Israeli attacks killed at least 19 Palestinians on Saturday, adding to the staggering death toll of 37,296 since the conflict began.
The international community continues to urge Israel to allow more aid into Gaza. The current tactical pause is a step toward addressing the humanitarian crisis, but further measures are necessary to ensure aid reaches those in need.
This daily pause, despite its limitations, represents a critical effort to alleviate the humanitarian suffering in Gaza, marking a complex and ongoing struggle for both sides amidst the conflict.
