Surprising news broke on Sunday through the Israeli military’s English and Arabic-language channels, announcing a temporary halt to fighting during the day along a crucial humanitarian aid route in southern Gaza. This pause aimed to facilitate the distribution of food aid in response to urgent warnings about hunger from international organizations.
Initially causing confusion, a subsequent clarification in Hebrew clarified that the pause did not extend to all of southern Gaza, with operations in Rafah continuing. The choreographed messaging took an unexpected turn when Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reportedly expressed disapproval, claiming he was unaware of the military’s plan.
Analysts suggested that Netanyahu was likely informed beforehand, and the conflicting statements were tailored to different audiences, reflecting the political pressures he faces. The humanitarian corridor pause, operational from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily, began on Saturday, although Netanyahu implied he only learned of it on Sunday.
Children in need of food aid in Khan Younis, southern Gaza Strip, on Saturday.Credit…Haitham Imad/EPA, via Shutterstock
Military affairs analyst Amos Harel described Netanyahu’s response as typical, suggesting that the prime minister’s reactions were strategic. The announcement, he argued, was likely not a complete surprise to Netanyahu, who needed to balance international expectations with domestic political considerations.
A government official, speaking anonymously, stated that Netanyahu initially found the humanitarian pause unacceptable but was later reassured that there would be no change in military plans for Rafah. The situation highlighted the complex dynamics at play in the region.
Shani Sasson, a spokeswoman…
2024-06-17 08:57:02
Link from www.nytimes.com