Israel announces Gaza humanitarian pause, aid resumes
The Israeli military announced a pause in military activities in three areas of the Gaza Strip on Sunday, July 27.
The decision came shortly after the military stated it was taking measures to alleviate the humanitarian crisis in the Palestinian territory, Reuters reported.
Military operations will be halted in Al-Mawasi, Deir al-Balah, and Gaza City from 10:00 AM local time (07:00 GMT) until 8:00 PM local time (17:00 GMT), until further notice, according to Agerpres.
Additionally, several safe routes have been designated permanently for use between 6:00 AM and 11:00 PM.
Earlier on Sunday, Egyptian television channel Al Qahera News reported that dozens of aid trucks had resumed movement from Egypt into Gaza. This follows months of international pressure on Israel and warnings from humanitarian agencies about the escalating famine in the Palestinian enclave.
Later, the same broadcaster – which is known for its close ties to the authorities in Cairo – posted a message on X (formerly Twitter) stating that the first "Egyptian aid trucks had begun entering the Gaza Strip through the Rafah border crossing."
On Saturday, Israel began air-dropping aid into Gaza and pledged to establish "humanitarian corridors" for UN convoys.
Overnight, the Israelis also released images of "seven aid packages containing flour, sugar, and canned goods" being air-dropped, the Ministry of Defense announced on Telegram, in a message cited by AFP.
The operation was "conducted in coordination with international organizations and led by COGAT," the ministry's agency responsible for governmental activities in the Palestinian territories.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
