Israel Announces Tactical Pauses in Gaza Amid Mounting Food Crisis and Global Pressure

Israel has announced daily “tactical pauses” in Gaza to ease a worsening food crisis, enabling aid delivery in three areas. The decision follows rising global pressure and reports of mass malnutrition. Humanitarian corridors and aid airdrops are underway, though criticism persists over limited access and ongoing military actions.

Amid growing global outrage over a deepening humanitarian crisis in Gaza, the Israeli military has declared daily “tactical pauses” in three key areas—Muwasi, Deir al-Balah, and Gaza City—starting Sunday. The pauses will take effect from 10 am to 8 pm daily, with no fixed end date announced.

The move comes after mounting international criticism, including from some of Israel’s closest allies, over the worsening famine-like conditions in Gaza. Humanitarian groups report that over 120 Palestinians, including 85 children, have died from malnutrition since the conflict began nearly two years ago.

Though Israeli forces claimed they were not conducting active operations in these zones, recent reports suggest continued clashes and airstrikes. The military says the pause will allow aid convoys to move safely and help distribute food, water, and medical supplies to affected civilians.

To aid these efforts, secure routes and designated corridors will be established, along with resumed airdrops of food aid. The initial airdrop includes seven pallets containing flour, sugar, and canned food. Power has also been restored to a key desalination plant, which could support daily water needs for up to 900,000 people.

More than 100 aid organisations recently warned of escalating starvation across the enclave, describing the situation as catastrophic. UN officials welcomed the tactical pauses but criticised Israel’s failure to provide adequate alternate routes, which continues to restrict access for aid agencies.

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Israel denies claims of starvation in Gaza, stating that sufficient aid has been allowed in and blaming logistical failures on the UN and other international organisations. The military insists that ongoing humanitarian efforts will run parallel to its military operations targeting Hamas and other groups.