The IDF announced Sunday the start of a daily, localized tactical pause in fighting in the Gaza Strip, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. local time, until further notice.
The pause is intended to allow for humanitarian activity and will take place in areas where the IDF is not currently operating, including Al-Mawasi, Deir al-Balah, and Gaza City.
The move, approved by the political echelon, is part of a joint effort by the IDF and the Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories (COGAT) to expand humanitarian aid to Gaza. The decision was coordinated with the United Nations and international aid organizations during discussions held on the matter.
In parallel, designated secure routes were defined for UN and international aid convoys to operate daily from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. These routes are intended for the delivery and distribution of food and medicine across the Strip.
?WATCH: Footage From the Airdrop of Humanitarian Aid in Gaza https://t.co/CrkMHE7zCS pic.twitter.com/28l2PeAEE7
— Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) July 27, 2025
Despite the pause, the IDF emphasized that it would continue to maneuver and act against terrorist organizations in Gaza "to protect the citizens of Israel" and that it is prepared to expand military operations as necessary.
On Saturday, a high-level IDF assessment led to a significant change in the humanitarian aid mechanism, which took effect Sunday. The changes include the resumption of airdrop missions along the aerial corridor, the establishment of new humanitarian corridors, and the reconnection of the southern desalination plant to the electricity grid.
At the center of the new approach is the renewed airdrop operation in cooperation with international organizations. The drop will include seven pallets of aid containing flour, sugar, and canned food, to be provided by humanitarian agencies, with implementation by the Israeli Air Force and COGAT. In addition, new humanitarian corridors will allow safe passage for UN and aid organization convoys to bring food and medicine into the Strip.
President Herzog: 'Aid is a moral imperative'
Israeli President Isaac Herzog backed the move to expand humanitarian assistance, saying, "I support the series of humanitarian steps announced by the political leadership and the IDF, including the humanitarian pauses. This is a moral, operational, diplomatic, and strategic necessity. In recent days, I have received countless appeals from world leaders, friends of Israel, journalists, and Jewish leaders worldwide. The correct practical response is action."
"This is not a concession, it is an essential component of the war effort to secure the return of our kidnapped citizens and the restoration of security for the people of Israel. Let it be clear: responsibility for the situation of Gaza's residents lies with the Hamas terrorist organization, which initiated the brutal massacre and continues to reject ceasefire and hostage release proposals."
