Tel Aviv [Israel], June 17: On June 16, the Israeli army announced that it would stop military operations in part of Rafah City in the southern Gaza Strip from 8 to 7 p.m. every day to create conditions for increased transportation of aid into the city.
According to AFP, the ceasefire will be enforced from the Israeli-controlled Kerem Shalom border crossing to Salah al-Din road and running north, an important route for the delivery of aid. The transportation of aid through the above border gate has been congested since the Israeli army entered Rafah in early May.
The decision was made after discussions with the UN and other international aid organizations. This tactical ceasefire will be in effect until further notice.
The surprise announcement was made when intermediaries were urging Israel and Hamas to accept the ceasefire proposal put forward by US President Joe Biden. However, dialogue has stalled in recent days. Hamas and other parties did not immediately comment on Israel's suspension.
Meanwhile, The Times of Israel commented that this was a military decision and had not been discussed by the cabinet. According to the Israeli army, fighting will continue in other areas in Rafah and the Gaza Strip. Previously, the Israeli army reported the largest loss since January, when an armored vehicle exploded in Rafah on June 15, killing all 8 soldiers. In northern Israel bordering Lebanon, fighting between Tel Aviv and Hezbollah continues.
Source: Thanh Nien Newspaper