Israel’s decision to begin a “tactical pause of military activity” along the road that leads from the Kerem Shalom border crossing to Salah al-Din is being closely examined across the region. While the pause may not impact the entire Gaza Strip, its timing coincides with Eid al-Adha, suggesting a potential reduction or even conclusion of the IDF’s operation in Rafah.
Other pauses in activity have been observed in Israel’s operations in Gaza. During the initial stages of the war, there were pauses in fighting along Salah al-Din, opening up a route to flee northward. Salah al-Din runs from southern Gaza through the center to the north, connecting Khan Yunis with Gaza City.
The IDF said on Sunday that “as part of ongoing efforts by the IDF and COGAT to increase the volumes of humanitarian aid entering the Gaza Strip and following additional related discussions with the UN and international organizations, starting yesterday (Saturday), a local, tactical pause of military activity for humanitarian purposes will take place from 08:00 until 19:00 every day until further notice along the road that leads from the Kerem Shalom Crossing to the Salah al-Din Road and then northwards.”
Hamas never changes
UAE-based Al-Ain media initially characterized this as a “ceasefire” but later used the term “truce” in a headline, indicating some of the questions being raised by this decision in the region. It may be greeted positively in the Gulf as a gesture showing Israel is keen to make sure there is no humanitarian crisis in Gaza during the holiday; it could also lead to other pauses in Gaza. However, in the past, when the IDF withdrew or paused, Hamas never changed its tactics, and it continues to hold hostages.
Hamas never pauses, which it made this clear in a statement to Al-Mayadeen, the pro-Iran media outlet. According to the report, which is based on statements from Hamas, the terrorists are continuing to target IDF troops. In one claim, Hamas said that an IDF “armored force was trapped in a minefield prepared in advance at the Nabulsi Junction, southwest of Gaza City.”
The report also claimed that Hamas detonated an explosion, killing and wounding soldiers. In another incident, Hamas said it fired 60-mm. mortars at the IDF in Zeitun. Hamas also claimed to have ambushed Rafah.
Other terrorist groups, such as Palestinian Islamic Jihad, also published details about their attacks. Terrorists shot at a small quadcopter drone in Khan Yunis, targeting IDF forces in the Netzarim corridor, as well as a tank, the report said. Palestinian Islamic Jihad even claimed to “celebrate Eid Al-Adha in their own way and published a video entitled: ‘Eid Al-Adha Mubarak... Happy New Year.’ The scenes showed some of its fighters during the process of manufacturing missiles.”
The contrast is clear. The IDF is making a tactical pause in a certain area, while Hamas and other terror groups are increasing their attacks. While the Gulf may view the pause favorably, it is uncertain what will happen in Gaza.