Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir criticized the Israeli military's announcement of a temporary halt in military operations in southern Gaza, stating that those who decided on this policy should not remain in their positions. Ben Gvir called for a departure from the old security concept and urged an end to the "crazy and illusory" approach that brings only more casualties, as he expressed.
On his part, Israeli Army Radio reported that Defense Minister Yoav Gallant was not previously informed about the "tactical ceasefire" in southern Gaza, and the army was forced to issue a clarifying statement.
The Israeli military announced a "tactical ceasefire" in southern Gaza to allow for the increased delivery of humanitarian aid. The military stated that the ceasefire would begin in the Rafah area at 8:00 AM local time (05:00 GMT) and would remain in effect until 7:00 PM local time (16:00 GMT). The Israeli army added that these ceasefires will occur daily until further notice.
The army mentioned that this ceasefire aims to allow aid trucks to reach the Kerem Shalom crossing, which is under Israeli control - the main entry point for incoming aid - and safely travel to the Salah al-Din highway - a main road connecting the north and south - to deliver supplies to other parts of Gaza. The tactical ceasefire is being coordinated with the United Nations and international relief agencies.
The crossing has been congested since Israeli ground forces entered Rafah in early May. The ongoing Israeli military attack against Hamas, which has lasted for 8 months, has led Gaza into a humanitarian crisis, with the United Nations reporting widespread hunger.
