The Israeli military will pause its operations daily in three heavily populated areas of Gaza—Gaza City, Deir al-Balah, and Al-Mawasi. The 10-hour pause, from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. local time, aims to help more humanitarian aid reach civilians.
The decision follows growing international concern about worsening hunger in Gaza. On Sunday, the Israeli military also carried out aid airdrops, which included flour, sugar, and canned goods.
Humanitarian concerns grow as food shortages worsen
Experts have warned of possible famine for months. Aid agencies say Israeli restrictions have limited deliveries. Israel claims Hamas diverts supplies for its own use. Meanwhile, disturbing images of malnourished children have sparked criticism from Israel’s allies and humanitarian organisations.
Ceasefire talks between Israel and Hamas have stalled. On Friday, both Israel and the United States withdrew their negotiating teams. Israeli officials said they are considering other options to end the conflict.
Aid distribution faces major obstacles
After ending the last ceasefire in March, Israel completely blocked supplies for over two months. Officials said the goal was to pressure Hamas to release hostages. In May, under international pressure, Israel eased the blockade slightly and allowed limited aid in.
Since then, about 4,500 aid trucks have entered Gaza. That averages 69 trucks per day—far below the 500 to 600 trucks the UN says are needed. Many aid deliveries don’t reach those in need. Hungry crowds and gangs often intercept the supplies.
To improve the situation, Israel supported the US-registered Gaza Humanitarian Foundation. The group opened four aid centres in May. However, according to the UN Human Rights Office, over 1,000 Palestinians have died near these centres while trying to access food.
Israel has criticised the UN’s aid system, accusing it of allowing Hamas to steal supplies. It has not provided evidence. The UN denies the claims and says its methods are the most effective for safe distribution.
Conflict continues as humanitarian crisis deepens
The Israeli military said it coordinated the new aid measures with the UN and other humanitarian groups. Most of Gaza’s population has been forced into smaller areas and now depends on aid to survive.
The current escalation intensified after Hamas launched a large-scale attack on southern Israel on 7 October 2023, killing around 1,200 people mostly civilians and taking 251 hostages. Israel estimates that Hamas still holds about 50 hostages, with more than half believed to have died. This attack followed a longer period of tension and intermittent violence in the region.
Israel’s military response has killed over 59,700 Palestinians, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry. The ministry does not separate civilians from combatants but says over half of the dead are women and children. The UN and other international bodies consider the ministry a reliable source of casualty figures.
