Israel Announces Daily 10-Hour Ceasefire in Three Areas of Gaza

Melbourne, 28 July —Israel has declared a temporary daily 10-hour ceasefire in three areas of the besieged Gaza Strip.

According to a report by Qatar-based news outlet Al Jazeera, the ceasefire will take effect starting Sunday.

The Israeli military stated that, “for humanitarian reasons,” the pause will last from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. local time (1:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. Bangladesh time). It will be in effect in three areas of Gaza—Al-Mawasi, Deir al-Balah, and Gaza City—where Israeli ground forces are currently not deployed.

The Israeli forces further noted that from 6:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. local time (9:00 a.m. to 2:00 a.m. Bangladesh time), safe routes will be open for vehicles from humanitarian organizations and the United Nations delivering aid.

Al Jazeera’s Gaza correspondent Hind Khoudary reported that the ceasefire announcement came as a complete surprise to the people of Gaza. However, she noted that it remains unclear how aid vehicles will be kept safe in these densely populated, war-torn areas.

Despite the announcement, attacks have not ceased. At least 15 Palestinians were killed in Israeli strikes on Gaza early Sunday morning.

The previous day, Saturday, at least 71 more people were killed, including 42 civilians who were lining up for food aid. On the same day, another five Palestinians died from starvation.

Additionally, the Israeli navy intercepted a vessel named Handala, which was part of the “Freedom Flotilla” attempting to break the blockade on Gaza to deliver humanitarian aid. All 21 crew members on board were detained.

Since the beginning of the Israeli assault on Gaza, the total number of Palestinians killed has risen to 59,733, with 144,477 others injured.