The Israeli army has announced a temporary halt to military operations during specific hours in certain areas of the Gaza Strip. This decision was made amid international pressure and the worsening hunger crisis in Gaza.
According to the official statement, military activity will be suspended daily from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. in the areas of Al-Mawasi, Deir al-Balah, and Gaza City.
Additionally, the army stated that secure routes for humanitarian aid convoys will be open daily from 6:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. on a permanent basis. These routes are intended for the delivery of food, medicine, and other essential aid supplies.
According to Egypt’s state-affiliated “Al-Qahira News” TV channel, aid convoys have started moving from Egypt toward Gaza. Israel also reported it began airdropping aid several hours earlier.
On Thursday, the UN stated that humanitarian pauses would allow for the scaling up of aid operations, but noted that Israel had not provided enough alternative routes for convoys, hindering delivery efforts.
International concern over the humanitarian crisis in Gaza is increasing. At the same time, on Friday, Israel and the U.S. announced they had halted ceasefire negotiations with Hamas, claiming the group was not interested in reaching a truce.
In recent weeks, millions in Gaza have been on the brink of starvation. According to humanitarian organizations, food supplies have run out in Gaza, home to 2.2 million people. Israel cut off all supplies in March and resumed them in May under restrictions.
According to Gaza’s Health Ministry, at least 127 people — including 85 children — have died of hunger since the war began.
The Israeli government claims there is no famine in Gaza and says the halt in aid is aimed at pressuring Hamas to release dozens of hostages. It added that although aid was allowed in May, the UN had failed to distribute it adequately. The UN responded that it was operating as effectively as possible under Israeli restrictions.
The war began on October 7, 2023, when Hamas fighters attacked southern Israel, killing more than 1,200 civilians and taking 251 hostages. Since then, Israel’s military operations have devastated Gaza’s infrastructure. According to Gaza health officials, nearly 60,000 people — mostly civilians — have been killed since the conflict began.
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