IDF declares tactical truce in military activities daily in section of southern Gaza Strip to allow humanitarian aid to enter after 12 soldiers were killed
The Israeli military said Sunday it would observe a daily “tactical truce in military activities” in part of the southern Gaza Strip during specific hours of the day to allow humanitarian aid in, a day after 12 soldiers were killed and dozens wounded in Palestinian resistance operations in the enclave.
“A local tactical truce in military activities for humanitarian purposes will be applied from 8:00 to 19:00 every day until further notice,” the Israeli army said in a statement, starting from the Kerem Shalom crossing to Salah al Din Road and then north.
The decision was taken in the context of efforts to increase the volume of humanitarian aid entering the Gaza Strip, following talks with the United Nations and other organizations, the statement said.
Israel has long claimed to facilitate the distribution of aid, particularly through the Kerem Shalom crossing, but humanitarian organizations have been warning for months of severe shortages of food and other basic items in the besieged Palestinian enclave.
The World Health Organization announced that more than eight thousand children under the age of five in Gaza had received treatment for acute malnutrition, including 1,600 children suffering from severe acute malnutrition.
The Israeli announcement comes at a time when hopes for a ceasefire agreement are dashed by the adherence of Israel and Hamas to conflicting demands, which weakens the chances of approving a plan unveiled by US President Joe Biden that provides in the first phase for a six-week ceasefire accompanied by an Israeli withdrawal from populated areas in Gaza, the release of hostages held in the Strip and Palestinians held in Israeli prisons and the entry of humanitarian aid.
