Without getting anything in return from Hamas, the IDF has announced a daily ceasefire in Rafah and Khan Yunis today (Sunday) to last from 8am until 7pm.This humanitarian relief comes at a time when the 120 hostages have not even been visited by the Red Cross, after 253 days in captivity.
The announcement, posted only in English on the IDF's X account, stated: "In order to increase the scope of humanitarian aid entering Gaza and following further discussions on the subject with the UN and international organizations, there will be a local, tactical pause in military activity for humanitarian purposes from 8am to 7pm daily until further notice, along the main road from the Kerem Shalom crossing to Saladin Road.
Following widespread criticism that followed the announcement, the IDF clarified that "there is no cessation of fighting in the southern Gaza Strip, and the fighting in Rafah continues. Also, there is no change in the introduction of goods into the Strip. The route carrying the goods will be open during the day in coordination with international organizations, for the transportation of humanitarian aid only."
