Gaza: Resumption of Aid Drops as Israel Announces Temporary Humanitarian Ceasefire

The Israeli army announced last night the resumption of aid drops to Gaza by air, coinciding with the declaration of a partial and temporary humanitarian ceasefire starting Sunday morning. The ceasefire aims to facilitate the delivery of relief to civilians amidst ongoing military confrontations with Hamas.

A military spokesperson mentioned that the initial aid drops included seven air shipments containing essential food items such as flour, sugar, and canned goods, provided by international organizations, and were dropped in western Gaza areas.

He emphasized that the distribution of this aid is the responsibility of the United Nations and international relief organizations, stressing the need to improve its effectiveness and ensure it does not reach Hamas.

On the other hand, the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that the ceasefire will be implemented in "civilian centers and humanitarian corridors", starting at ten in the morning and continuing until eight in the evening, in areas including Gaza City, Deir al-Balah, and Al-Mawasi.

The Israeli army confirmed that military operations will continue in areas outside the ceasefire scope.

A military statement indicated that the aid dropped by foreign countries is part of ongoing efforts to allow relief into Gaza and facilitate its movement.

Humanitarian corridors will be designated for convoys of aid belonging to the United Nations and international organizations, but the locations of these corridors or the exact timing of their opening have not been specified.

These developments come after escalating international criticism of Israel, including from traditional allies, due to the deteriorating humanitarian conditions in Gaza, where hundreds of Palestinians have died in recent weeks, either from hunger or while trying to access aid.