Israel announces daily humanitarian aid pause on Gaza road to let in aid

Israel has announced it will hold a daily “tactical pause of military activity” along a road in southern Gaza to allow more humanitarian aid to enter the region. This decision comes after continuous pressure from its allies, such as the US, to prevent the humanitarian crisis in Gaza from worsening. The pauses, which started on Saturday, will last from 08:00 to 19:00 local time, affecting only the route leading northwards from the Kerem Shalom crossing to the European Hospital near Khan Younis. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) clarified that there is no ceasefire in southern Gaza and combat continues in Rafah. The closure of the Rafah crossing, once the main point of entry for aid, has severely impacted the humanitarian situation in Gaza. International agencies have warned of dire conditions, with a significant proportion of the population facing hunger and famine-like conditions. Despite the calls for more aid, the number of trucks entering Gaza remains well below what agencies say is necessary, with the daily average dropping from 169 in April to only 97 in May. Additionally, since May 7th, aid from the private sector has not been able to enter Gaza directly through the Kerem Shalom crossing. Tragic incidents, like the explosion that killed eight Israeli soldiers in Rafah, highlight the ongoing conflict in the region. Aid agencies, including the UN and Unicef, have faced challenges in distributing aid, with convoys being denied entry to certain areas. Although negotiations for a potential ceasefire and hostage release between Israel and Hamas are ongoing, difficulties persist, and a resolution seems uncertain at this time. With the pressing humanitarian crisis in Gaza, the need for increased aid and stability in the region remains crucial.