With over 59,000 Palestinians killed, aid delays, and air drops criticized as ineffective, international pressure mounts for a ceasefire and sustainable relief
Israel has declared a limited daily “tactical pause” in parts of Gaza to facilitate humanitarian aid deliveries, responding to mounting international concern over severe hunger and starvation in the territory. The move, announced Sunday, comes as more than 100 aid organizations warn of “mass starvation” spreading across the besieged enclave.
The Israeli military said the pause would apply daily from 10:00 am to 8:00 pm local time in areas where its troops are not currently active, including Al-Mawasi, Deir el-Balah, and Gaza City. It also announced the opening of “designated secure routes” to allow safe passage for UN and humanitarian convoys transporting food and medicine.
Although the military said it coordinated with international organizations, there was no immediate confirmation from the UN or aid agencies, many of whom remain skeptical about the announcement's real impact. "We are waiting to see if these promises translate into action on the ground," said one aid worker, speaking anonymously.
In addition to opening land routes, the Israeli army began air-dropping food into Gaza and dismissed accusations of using starvation as a weapon, calling such claims “false.” However, humanitarian leaders and NGOs have long criticized air drops as inefficient, costly, and even dangerous for civilians.
“Air drops will not reverse the deepening starvation,” said Philippe Lazzarini, head of the UN agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA). “They are expensive, inefficient, and can even kill starving civilians.” The United Arab Emirates and the UK have pledged to resume support for air drops, with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer vowing cooperation with Jordan.
Despite recent efforts, aid remains scarce. On Saturday, the Palestinian civil defence agency reported that more than 50 Palestinians were killed in Israeli strikes and shootings, including some who were waiting near food distribution points. Hossam Sobh, a Gaza resident, described risking his life to retrieve a bag of flour: “We ask God and our Arab brothers to work harder to reach a ceasefire before we all die.”
Meanwhile, Israel intercepted and boarded the “Handala” boat from the Freedom Flotilla Coalition, which attempted to break the naval blockade and deliver aid via the sea. The activist vessel’s live feed was cut shortly after Israeli troops boarded.
Israel maintains that it does not restrict the number of trucks entering Gaza and blames the UN and aid groups for not distributing supplies. However, humanitarian organizations argue that the Israeli military imposes excessive restrictions and tightly controls road access, stalling aid efforts.
A separate, controversial aid initiative, the US- and Israeli-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation continues to operate but has been widely criticized after Israeli forces killed hundreds of civilians near distribution zones.
Since launching its military campaign in Gaza following Hamas’s deadly October 2023 attack that killed 1,219 people in Israel, the Israeli offensive has resulted in the deaths of 59,733 Palestinians, according to Gaza’s health ministry, the vast majority civilians.
Media restrictions and ongoing fighting make it difficult to verify the full extent of casualties and destruction. Nonetheless, the humanitarian catastrophe unfolding in Gaza is driving fresh international pressure for a ceasefire and sustained, unimpeded humanitarian access.
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