Tel Aviv [Israel], July 27 (ANI): Israel has announced daily pauses in military activity across three areas of Gaza to facilitate the delivery of humanitarian aid, according to a statement from COGAT (Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories), posted on X.
The move comes amid growing international pressure on Israel to improve humanitarian access to the war-affected Palestinian territory. COGAT, which oversees coordination between the Israeli government and international aid agencies, stated that the purpose of the daily pause is to ensure the safe passage of food, medicine, and essential supplies.
“As part of our ongoing effort to increase the scale of humanitarian aid entering the Gaza Strip and in accordance with directives from the political echelon, a local tactical pause in military activity will take place for humanitarian purposes from 10:00 to 20:00, starting today (Sunday),” the statement read.
The daily pause will be enforced in areas where the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) are not currently conducting operations, specifically Al-Mawasi, Deir al-Balah, and Gaza City. In addition, designated secure routes will remain open from 6:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. (local time) to enable the safe passage of UN and humanitarian aid convoys.
According to Israeli authorities, the decision was made in coordination with the United Nations and other international organizations.
Despite the humanitarian pause, military operations will continue elsewhere in Gaza. “The IDF will continue to support humanitarian efforts alongside ongoing maneuvering and offensive operations against terrorist organizations in the Gaza Strip, in order to protect Israeli civilians. The IDF is prepared to expand the scale of this activity as required,” the statement added.
Israeli President Isaac Herzog welcomed the decision, calling it a vital step toward safeguarding civilian lives. “I welcome the major steps announced by the Israeli leadership and military to strengthen and upgrade the humanitarian response in Gaza, particularly the decision to implement humanitarian pauses to protect civilian lives and allow the safe delivery of aid,” Herzog posted on X.
However, Herzog also criticized the United Nations and Hamas, accusing them of contributing to food shortages and aid delays. “The UN must do its part,” he said, alleging inefficiencies by the international body and the diversion of aid by Hamas.
The humanitarian situation in Gaza remains dire, with widespread shortages of food, medicine, and essential services. The newly announced daily pauses aim to ease access and improve the distribution of aid to affected civilians. (ANI)
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