National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir harshly criticized the decision to implement humanitarian pauses in military operations in Rafah.
"Whoever decided on tactical pauses to bring in humanitarian aid, especially on days when our best sons are dying on the battlefields, is a fool and an idiot. This person should not remain in their position," Ben-Gvir said.
"Unfortunately, this move was not brought before the cabinet and is contrary to its decisions. It's time to get out of the old concept and stop the crazy and delusional approach that only brings us more dead and fallen," Ben-Gvir said.
On the morning of June 16, the IDF announced that, as part of efforts to increase the volume of humanitarian aid entering the Gaza Strip and following additional discussions with the UN and other international organizations, a decision had been made to implement tactical pauses in military operations. They will take place between 8:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. every day along a road that leads from the Kerem Shalom Crossing to the Salah a-Din road and then northward toward the Khan Younis area. This announcement does not mean that the IDF will completely cease military actions in the Gaza Strip during this time. It refers exclusively to the section mentioned in the official IDF statement.
Since many media outlets misinterpreted the IDF's announcement, the command emphasized once again: "The IDF makes it clear that there is no cessation of military operations in southern Gaza, and the fighting in Rafah continues. There have also been no changes in the import of goods into the Gaza Strip. The axis for delivering goods will be open during the day in coordination with international organizations only to transport humanitarian aid."
