Israel has initiated limited daily pauses in its military operations across parts of Gaza, following mounting international pressure over a worsening humanitarian crisis in the war-torn territory.
The Israeli military says the 10-hour daily pauses in three densely populated areas aim to allow the safe distribution of humanitarian aid and the movement of civilians.
The decision comes as foreign aid airdrops resume over Gaza, with Jordan—backed by the United Arab Emirates—delivering essential supplies such as flour, sugar, and canned food to desperate residents.
The World Food Program warns that the hunger crisis has reached alarming levels, with one in three Gazans going days without food and nearly 500,000 facing conditions akin to famine.
Disturbing images of malnourished children have drawn global outrage, including from Israel’s traditional allies.
UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, described the situation as “dystopian,” citing over 1,000 reported deaths of civilians attempting to access food since late May.
He criticized the militarized distribution efforts of the US- and Israeli-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation as ineffective.
Gaza’s Health Ministry reports over 200,000 people have been killed or wounded since October 7—approximately 10% of the enclave’s population.
Türk also condemned the deaths of more than 300 UN workers in Israeli airstrikes and urged nations to hold Israel accountable for facilitating humanitarian aid.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu dismissed the UN’s accusations as “excuses and lies,” insisting Israel is maintaining access to aid through secure corridors.
The temporary ceasefires mark a small but significant shift amid growing global condemnation and fears of a full-scale famine in Gaza.
