A temporary ceasefire has been initiated in three regions of the Gaza Strip following the Israeli military’s announcement today, intended to alleviate the humanitarian crisis in the area.
The Israeli military stated that operations will cease daily in the Mawasi, Deir al-Balah, and Gaza City from 10:00 AM (0700 GMT) until 8:00 PM local time (1700 GMT) until further notice.
Additionally, designated safe routes will be established permanently from 6:00 AM to 11:00 PM.
The Israeli Foreign Ministry announced the implementation of a “humanitarian ceasefire” to facilitate aid distribution in Gaza starting Sunday morning.
In a statement shared on social media late Saturday, the ministry noted that the ceasefire would apply to “civilian centers and humanitarian corridors” in Gaza.
Despite significant international criticism, Israel has permitted very limited aid to enter the coastal region.
The ministry further stated that while “Israel has continued to facilitate the entry of aid trucks into Gaza,” the United Nations “has thus far failed to collect and distribute a large quantity of aid trucks stored in designated areas within Gaza.”
The Israeli Ministry mentioned that the UN is now expected to “collect and distribute large quantities of aid without further delays or excuses.”
The United Nations has consistently refuted Israeli claims that it is preventing food distribution.
UN spokesman Farhan Haq stated on Thursday, “We are not trying to stop all these people, including our staff, from getting food. They are facing various obstacles, including those imposed by Israeli authorities.”
Haq added that the multi-step approval process by the Israeli military has proven to be excessively burdensome, often causing delays that result in goods not being able to depart until nightfall.
On Saturday, the Israeli military announced that it had airdropped humanitarian aid into Gaza, where many residents are facing the threat of famine.
Today, Egyptian news channel Cairo News reported that aid trucks have begun moving from Egypt towards Gaza, following increasing international pressure and warnings from relief agencies about the potential for widespread famine in the region.
Earlier, the Israeli military declared the establishment of “humanitarian corridors” to secure UN aid convoys intended for Gaza’s residents and announced the initiation of a “ceasefire for humanitarian purposes” in heavily populated areas.
The military stated on Telegram, “In accordance with orders from political leadership, the Israel Defense Forces recently conducted an airdrop of humanitarian aid as part of ongoing efforts to facilitate the entry of assistance into Gaza.” They added that the airdrop included seven packages containing flour, sugar, and canned food.