Israel announced a temporary halt to military operations in parts of Gaza on Sunday, creating a 10-hour daily window for humanitarian aid deliveries. The pause, effective from 10 AM to 8 PM local time, applies to areas where troops are not actively engaged—Al-Mawasi, Deir el-Balah, and Gaza City. The military stated it had coordinated with the UN to open secure land routes for food and medicine convoys, while also conducting airdrops of supplies.
While Israel insists these measures disprove allegations of “deliberate starvation,” aid organizations remain doubtful. UNRWA chief Philippe Lazzarini criticized airdrops as “expensive, inefficient, and potentially deadly,” emphasizing that only unrestricted land access can address Gaza’s famine. The UAE and UK pledged to resume airdrops, but humanitarian groups argue they are insufficient for 2.3 million desperate civilians.
The announcement followed another deadly day in Gaza, with over 50 Palestinians killed near aid distribution points. “We beg for a ceasefire before we all die,” said resident Hossam Sobh, describing harrowing scenes of civilians risking gunfire to retrieve flour. Meanwhile, Israeli forces intercepted an activist flotilla attempting to challenge the naval blockade.
Israel denies limiting aid trucks but faces accusations of obstructing deliveries through excessive inspections and unsafe routes. The US-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation has also drawn criticism after Israeli strikes killed hundreds near aid lines. As starvation spreads, the international community presses for a lasting ceasefire—but for now, Gaza’s survival hinges on fleeting pauses in a relentless war.