Israel bows to pressure

THE Israeli military has said it is pausing fighting in three populated areas of Gaza for 10 hours a day and opening secure routes for aid delivery to desperate Palestinians.

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The steps are meant to address a surge in hunger in the territory, as Israel faces a wave of international criticism over its conduct in the 21-month war against Hamas, the Gaza-based militant group.

The military said it would begin a “tactical pause” in Gaza City, Deir al-Balah and Muwasi, three areas of the territory with large populations, to “increase the scale of humanitarian aid” entering the territory. The pause was due to begin every day, from 10am to 8pm local time until further notice, beginning yesterday.

The Israeli military has also said that it has carried out aid air drops into Gaza, which included packages of aid with flour, sugar and canned food.