The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) began implementing “local tactical pauses” in several areas of the Gaza Strip on Sunday. These measures are aimed at increasing the amount of humanitarian aid reaching the region. Meanwhile, US Senator Lindsey Graham compared Israel’s efforts to end the war against the terrorist organisation Hamas to the decapitation of the Berlin and Tokyo governments by the Allies at the end of World War II.
IDF announced a 10-hour pause in fighting
According to the IDF, the pauses will be in effect daily from 10:00 to 20:00 in densely populated areas where no ground operations are taking place — in Al-Mawasi, Deir al-Balah and Gaza City. The initiative has been agreed with the UN and a number of international organisations.
In addition, from 6:00 to 23:00 local time, safe routes have been established for UN and other organisations delivering food and medicine to the civilian population.
Trucks with humanitarian supplies have already crossed the border with Egypt and are heading for Gaza. The United Arab Emirates has also announced plans to deliver aid by air.
Israel is shifting to a new military strategy in Gaza, US senator says
US Senator Lindsey Graham said that Israel is changing its tactics in the Gaza Strip. According to him, the country no longer expects a diplomatic solution to the conflict and is ready to move to a full-scale military takeover.
“There is a change in strategy,” he said in an interview with NBC News, responding to a statement by former President Donald Trump calling for “finishing the job.” Trump had earlier said that Hamas leaders would become “hunting targets” and accused the organisation of unwillingness to reach an agreement.
Graham supported Trump, saying that Israel now holds a similar position: hope for a negotiated end to the war is lost. He compared the upcoming Israeli operation to US actions in Tokyo and Berlin during World War II.
Israeli Navy intercepts ship carrying humanitarian aid
The Israeli Navy detained the Handala, a ship carrying humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip. The incident occurred on Saturday.
There were 21 people on board. The moment of the seizure was caught on live television, showing Israeli soldiers armed with weapons boarding the ship and ordering the people on board to raise their hands.
After that, the signal from the ship disappeared, and the fate of the crew is still unknown.
Shortly before the interception, the Handala sent a distress signal due to the approach of Israeli military ships. The ship had left Italy and was carrying humanitarian aid — baby food, groceries and medicines. According to activists, the delivery was carried out in accordance with international law, and everyone on board was unarmed.
Handala was part of the Freedom Flotilla mission, which provides humanitarian supplies to Gaza.
French politician condemns Israel’s actions
The leader of France’s left-wing party, Jean-Luc Mélenchon, has strongly criticised Israel’s actions, calling the incident an attack.
On social media, he said that “Netanyahu’s thugs” had attacked a peaceful ship in international waters, violating international norms, and accused the Israeli side of kidnapping, noting that two French parliamentarians were among the injured. Mélenchon also called on the French government to intervene, saying that it should not be “Netanyahu’s doormat.”
