• The military’s statement did not say when the humanitarian corridors for UN convoys would open, or where
• It also said the military is prepared to implement humanitarian pauses in densely populated areas

TEL AVIV: The Israeli military said Sunday it would begin a “tactical pause” in fighting in three areas of Gaza as part of steps to address a worsening humanitarian situation.

The military said it would halt activity in Muwasi, Deir Al-Balah and Gaza City from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. local time every day until further notice, beginning Sunday. The military said it was not operating in those areas, but there has been fighting and strikes in each in recent weeks.

In a statement, the military said it would also designate secure routes to help aid agencies deliver food and other supplies to people across Gaza.

The announcement that the military would pause some fighting comes after months of experts’ warnings of famine amid Israeli restrictions on aid. International criticism, including by close allies, has grown as several hundred Palestinians have been killed in recent weeks while trying to reach food distribution sites.

Israel’s military said Saturday that it airdropped humanitarian aid into the Gaza Strip, as thousands of Palestinians face the threat of widespread famine.

“In accordance with the directives of the political echelon, the IDF recently carried out an airdrop of humanitarian aid as part of the ongoing efforts to allow and facilitate the entry of aid into the Gaza Strip,” the military posted on Telegram. ]

Reuters