Under mounting international pressure, Israel announced a daily 10-hour pause in its military operations in specific areas of the Gaza Strip. Attacks will halt from 10 AM to 8 PM local time in Al Mawasi, Deir al-Balah, and Gaza City. Additionally, aid vehicles can use designated routes daily from 6 AM to 11 PM.
The move follows increased international scrutiny on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu particularly after an undeclared ban on aid entry into Gaza began in March. Israel’s defense forces confirmed the temporary suspension in a statement.
The United States welcomed Israel’s decision. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated a ceasefire agreement could happen anytime, though he did not clarify if it would be temporary or permanent.
A United Nations conference on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is set to take place in New York. French Foreign Minister Jean Welberrow indicated that for the first time, Arab nations would call for Hamas disarmament at this conference.
Gaza residents face extreme hunger, with many silently perishing due to lack of food. The death toll continues to rise from Israeli attacks on people queuing for aid.
Protests demanding an end to the Gaza conflict have erupted worldwide. Demonstrators gathered outside the US embassy in Tel Aviv calling for an immediate and permanent ceasefire. London residents also took to the streets protesting the severe food shortage in Gaza.
In Latin America, Chile saw protests advocating for severing diplomatic ties with Israel. In Tel Aviv, a large rally including families of hostages held by Hamas and ordinary Israelis marched towards the US embassy, demanding a quick agreement. They are unwilling to accept a partial deal and urged the US to pressure the Netanyahu administration for a swift resolution.
Read more: Gaza Faces Worsening Hunger Crisis as Global Protests Demand End to Conflict
Thousands also demonstrated on Downing Street in London, protesting Israel’s aggression and the famine in Gaza. They condemned attacks on Palestinians lining up for aid. On Saturday, thousands of pro-Palestinians gathered in Santiago, Chile, urging their government to cut diplomatic ties with Israel.
