The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has announced a daily “tactical pause” in certain areas of Gaza, allowing for increased humanitarian aid flow. The move was announced by the IDF on Sunday, following discussions with the United Nations. According to the IDF’s account, the pause will take place along the road from the Kerem Shalom Crossing to the Salah al-Din Road and north, from 8:00am to 7:00pm daily, for humanitarian purposes.
However, according to an IDF source speaking with ABC News, the announcement was made without Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu being briefed. Netanyahu contacted his military secretary and expressed his opposition to tactical pauses for humanitarian reasons. In a statement, IDF spokesman Daniel Hagari clarified that the pauses only affect a single route and that there is no cessation of fighting in the southern Gaza Strip or change in the introduction of goods into the Gaza Strip.
The announcement comes a day after the deadliest day for the IDF day since January, with eight soldiers killed in an ambush and destruction of an armored personnel carrier by Hamas. Thousands of Israeli protesters took to the streets on Saturday night, demanding new elections and the release of remaining hostages. Netanyahu’s popularity has decreased amid the war, with centrist opposition leader Benny Gantz resigning from Netanyahu’s cabinet last week.
