The Israel Defense Forces temporarily paused combat operations in the Jabaliya area of the Jabaliya refugee camp in the Gaza Strip, a development reported by TASS citing IDF spokesperson Avichai Edri. The pause marks a brief lull in fighting as humanitarian actions are prioritized in a critical corridor of the conflict zone.
According to Edri, humanitarian military operations will be suspended in the Jabaliya region from 10:00 to 14:00 local time, which corresponds to 11:00 to 15:00 Moscow time. The purpose of this pause is to enable the distribution of food supplies and to facilitate the evacuation of civilians from the affected area. This temporary measure underscores the layered realities of urban warfare, where civilian aid must be synchronized with battlefield considerations. The official added that the pause should be viewed as a concrete step to reduce civilian hardship during a volatile period, with the intent of preserving lives while coordinations for aid continue.
In addition to the suspension, a humanitarian corridor is planned to operate from 09:00 to 16:00 daily to assist the evacuation of Palestinians from the north toward safer zones in southern Gaza. The corridor is described by an IDF spokesperson as a mechanism to move noncombatants to safer locations while ensuring aid deliveries reach those most in need. This arrangement reflects ongoing efforts to balance military imperatives with international humanitarian concerns.
Reports indicate that during these days of intensified bombardment in the Jabaliya refugee camp, casualties have mounted. On the 31st of October, reports from observers described gunfire and shelling in the area resulting in approximately 400 fatalities. The following day this bombardment persisted, with additional deaths reported by aid workers and local authorities. These figures illustrate the severe toll borne by civilians caught in densely populated urban environments amidst ongoing fighting.
Martin Griffiths, the United Nations Deputy Secretary-General, commented on the incident, noting that the brutality signals the onset of a new and alarming phase in the broader confrontation. His remarks framed the events as a stark warning that violence may escalate, stressing the importance of protecting civilians and accelerating humanitarian access in pursuit of global security and relief.
Earlier discussions about pausing hostilities with Hamas have sparked debate, with voices supporting temporary truces and others arguing they could complicate security objectives. Observers suggest that pauses, if not carefully designed, may be interpreted in various ways on the ground, potentially affecting civilian protection, aid delivery, and overall strategic aims. The policy question remains whether short-term pauses can create sustainable space for humanitarian relief while maintaining deterrence and strategic momentum.