Relative calm in Gaza: humanitarian pause generates hope and challenges

The Gaza Strip experienced a relative calm last Sunday, after the Israeli army announced a pause in its operations in a southern area of Gaza to allow more humanitarian aid to enter the Palestinian territory. After eight months of intense bombardments, the population of Gaza experienced a day of "almost tranquility," according to statements from the Civil Defense spokesperson, Mohamed Basal. Despite this tactical pause, some bombings were reported in various neighborhoods of Gaza City and artillery fire in Rafah, at the southern end of the Palestinian territory, where the Israeli army has been conducting a ground offensive since early May. It is important to note that, despite the pause in a specific area, violence continues in other places. The announcement of the humanitarian pause generated various reactions. On one hand, the Israeli army clarified that it is not a ceasefire in southern Gaza and that operations in Rafah are ongoing. The measure, which will extend from 08:00 to 19:00 every day, aims to allow an increase in the entry of humanitarian aid into the region, following discussions with the UN and other organizations. While the UN welcomed this decision, it called for concrete actions to facilitate the arrival of humanitarian assistance to the population in need. The situation in Gaza is critical, with 75% of its 2.4 million inhabitants displaced by the war and facing shortages of food, water, and medicine due to the fighting and restrictions imposed by Israel. Israel's Minister of National Security, Itamar Ben Gvir, described the decision to implement a humanitarian pause while Israeli soldiers continue to fall in combat as "evil and stupid." On Saturday, the Israeli army reported the deaths of eight of its soldiers in Gaza, highlighting the complexity and seriousness of the situation in the region. In this context of tension and violence, it is crucial to seek ways to advance towards a lasting ceasefire that guarantees the security and well-being of the civilian population in Gaza. The international community must redouble its efforts to promote dialogue and negotiation, with the aim of ending the suffering of the population in Gaza and seeking a just and lasting solution to the conflict in the region.