Israel has announced the introduction of a daily 'tactical pause' in military activity along a specific route in southern Gaza to facilitate aid distribution. The pause, which began on Saturday, will occur every day from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. local time until further notice. This initiative aims to allow trucks to transport aid from the Kerem Shalom Crossing, the primary entry point for incoming aid to southern Gaza, along the Salah al-Din Road.
However, despite the pause for aid distribution, Israel has emphasized that there will be no cessation of fighting in and around Rafah in southern Gaza. The Israeli Defense Forces clarified that the ongoing military operations in Rafah will continue without interruption.
The decision to implement the tactical pause comes as a bottleneck of aid has developed at the Kerem Shalom Crossing due to Israeli airstrikes and fighting in southern Gaza. Human rights groups have raised concerns about the dire humanitarian crisis in Gaza, with reports of deteriorating living conditions for Palestinians following months of Israeli bombardment.
According to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees, over 50,000 children in Gaza now require treatment for acute malnutrition, underscoring the urgent need for humanitarian assistance in the region.
Despite the pause for aid delivery, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed initial dissatisfaction with the plan, emphasizing the importance of continuing military operations in Rafah. Israeli security minister Ben Gvir criticized the pause, labeling it as detrimental during a critical phase of the conflict.
The ongoing fighting and airstrikes in Rafah have resulted in casualties on both sides, with reports of heavy clashes in western neighborhoods of the city. Civil defense officials in Gaza have faced challenges in accessing affected areas to retrieve bodies and assist the wounded due to the intensity of Israeli military operations.
On Saturday, eight Israeli Defense Forces soldiers were killed near Rafah in one of the deadliest incidents for Israeli troops during the conflict.
