Israel began airdrops of humanitarian aid over Gaza on Sunday, coupled with a daily ten-hour pause to allow the United Nations to distribute previously blocked relief supplies. The temporary ceasefires and expanded aid efforts mark a shift in military strategy and international coordination.
Under instructions from Israel’s political leadership and overseen by the Coordination of Government Activities in the Territories (COGAT), the Israel Defense Forces implemented local tactical pauses from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. in areas where IDF operations are not active, including Al‑Mawasi, Deir al‑Balah, and Gaza City. The pauses will remain in effect each day until further notice unless changed by operation demands.
Designated safe corridors have also been established, operating from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m., allowing continuous and secure movement of U.N. and humanitarian convoys carrying food and medical aid across the Gaza Strip.
The IDF affirmed it would maintain these pauses and corridor routes in support of humanitarian efforts, while continuing its operations against Hamas targets. Authorities signaled readiness to expand these measures if needed to meet relief demands.
Israel had previously denied widespread starvation in Gaza, citing aid hoarding by Hamas and continued deliveries by groups such as the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF). The change in policy appears to be driven in part by international pressure, as fears grew that humanitarian collapse could force a broader halt to military operations.
The renewed aid push comes amid ongoing efforts by Israel to dismantle remaining Hamas holdouts and secure the release of the 50 Israeli hostages still in captivity, 20 of whom are believed to be alive. The GHF remains limited in northern Gaza, where Hamas maintains territorial control.
These measures aim to balance critical humanitarian needs with ongoing military objectives. The IDF’s tactical pauses and secure aid routes represent a calculated but unprecedented shift in Gaza operations, signaling a response to both international concern and escalating conflict pressures.
