Sun Jul 27 23:05:59 UTC 2025: **Summary:**
Amidst growing international criticism and dire humanitarian conditions in Gaza, the Israeli military initiated limited, daily “tactical pauses” in fighting in three populated areas to facilitate increased aid delivery. This comes after a 21-month war has severely restricted access to essential supplies for Gaza’s 2 million residents, leading to widespread hunger and malnutrition, with reports of dozens of deaths, including children. Despite these pauses and airdrops, aid delivery remains slow and insufficient, with fears of diversion and continued violence hindering distribution. Ceasefire negotiations remain stalled as both Israel and Hamas hold firm on their demands. International organizations and aid groups call for sustained, safe access and a “flood” of aid to prevent further starvation and deaths in Gaza.
**News Article:**
**Gaza City, July 28, 2025 – Limited Humanitarian Pauses Begin in Gaza Amidst Starvation Crisis**
The Israeli military implemented daily 10-hour “tactical pauses” in fighting across three heavily populated areas of Gaza on Sunday, a move aimed at scaling up humanitarian aid to the besieged territory. The decision follows escalating international pressure over Israel’s conduct in the 21-month war and mounting evidence of widespread starvation amongst Gaza’s civilian population.
The pauses, active in Gaza City, Deir al-Balah, and Muwasi from 10 am to 8 pm, are intended to allow increased aid deliveries, including airdrops of food packages. United Nations humanitarian chief Tom Fletcher cautiously welcomed the initiative but emphasized the need for sustained, vast, and rapid action to address the crisis.
Despite the pauses, reports indicate aid delivery remains slow and insufficient. “We saw the planes, but we didn’t see what they dropped,” said Samira Yahya, a resident of Zawaida. “They said trucks would pass, but we didn’t see the trucks.” Aid distribution is further hampered by fears of violence and the potential for aid diversion. Health officials in Gaza reported at least 41 Palestinians were killed in Israeli strikes on Saturday and Sunday, including 26 seeking aid.
International organizations warn the current efforts are not enough to counter the “current starvation.” The World Health Organization reported 63 malnutrition-related deaths in Gaza in July alone, including 24 children under the age of five. Dr. Muneer al-Boursh, Gaza Health Ministry’s director-general, called for a “flood” of medical supplies to treat child malnutrition.
Ceasefire negotiations remain stalled, with both Israel and Hamas blaming each other for the deadlock. Israel maintains it is prepared to end the war if Hamas surrenders, disarms, and goes into exile, conditions the group has consistently refused.
The conflict, which began with a Hamas attack on October 7, 2023, has resulted in a devastating humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Israel’s retaliatory offensive has killed more than 59,700 Palestinians, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry, while the Hamas attack claimed the lives of 1,200 Israelis and resulted in the capture of 251 hostages.
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