Israel has announced it will make a “tactical pause in military activity” in parts of Gaza as a hunger crisis faces many Palestinians in the Strip.
The Israeli Defence Force (IDF) said that “a local tactical pause in military activity will take place for humanitarian purposes from 10am to 8pm (7am-5pm BST), starting today (Sunday)” in the Gaza Strip.
It added that “the pause will begin in the areas where the IDF is not operating: Al-Mawasi, Deir al-Balah, and Gaza City, every day until further notice.
“This decision was coordinated with the United Nations (UN) and international organisations following discussions regarding the matter.”
REUTERS
|
The United Nations has raised concerns about the hunger crisis in the Gaza Strip
The head of the UN agency for Palestinian refugees, Philippe Lazzarini, has called the hunger crisis “manmade” and criticised the air drops into Gaza as inefficient.
Aid organisations said last week there is mass hunger among 2.2million people after Israel cut off all supplies into the territory in March, before resuming them in May with restrictions.
Israel denies there is a hunger crisis in the region, saying the aid halt was to pressure Hamas into giving up the 50 hostages still held in Gaza.
Sir Keir Starmer said the UK is working with Jordan on plans to drop aid into Gaza by air.
More to follow…
REUTERS |
Aid organisations say there is mass hunger among 2.2million people
