Why Did Israel Decide to Pause Fighting in Gaza?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Israel pauses military actions in Gaza.
- Humanitarian airdrops are set to resume.
- International pressure is influencing decisions.
- Worsening starvation conditions are a concern.
- Recent military strikes have targeted Hamas leaders.
Jerusalem, July 27 (NationPress) Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has opted for a temporary halt in Israel's military operations in Gaza on Sunday, as reported by various Israeli media sources.
Following consultations with Defence Minister Israel Katz, Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar, and other high-ranking officials, the decision was influenced by growing international pressure concerning the ongoing situation in Gaza, according to Xinhua News Agency.
Earlier on Saturday, the Israel Defense Forces announced that humanitarian aid airdrops into Gaza would recommence later that evening.
According to Palestinian sources and eyewitness accounts, these airdrops began in multiple areas of northern Gaza on Saturday night.
This development comes as humanitarian organizations have raised alarms about the escalating starvation crisis in Gaza, where access to essential supplies has been significantly limited since Israel shut all crossings to the area in March.
On Friday, the IDF reported the elimination of a Hamas counter-intelligence commander during an aerial strike in northern Gaza.
Amjad Muhammad Hassan Shaer, who led the counter-intelligence division in Hamas' General Security Apparatus, was reportedly killed on Wednesday, as stated by the IDF.
The Israeli army indicated that this division is tasked with preventing espionage and protecting senior Hamas officials.
Additionally, the IDF stated that on Thursday, in coordination with ground forces, the Israeli Air Force targeted numerous military sites within the Gaza Strip.