High Court delays October 7 probe, Knesset prolongs reservist service extension

The opening of a humanitarian corridor in Gaza does not impact the IDF’s battle against Hamas in Rafah, and there is no policy change on this matter, the army clarified on Sunday after its announcement caused a political uproar among Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s far-right coalition partners. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

“The IDF makes it clear that there is no cessation of combat in the southern Gaza Strip, and the combat in Rafah continues,” it said.

It issued a Hebrew language clarification after it published an English announcement about the creation of a daily 11-hour humanitarian corridor from the Kerem Shalom Crossing to the Salah al-Din Road.

Far-right coalition partners National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir, and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich attacked the gesture, noting that it came after eight soldiers were killed in Gaza on Saturday and during a weekend in which a total of 12 soldiers died.

“Whoever decided on a ‘tactical pause’ for the purpose of a humanitarian passageway, especially when our best soldiers are falling in battle, is evil and a fool who should not continue to be in his position,” Ben Gvir stated.

Map of the route in which the humanitarian pause is expected to take place in the Gaza Strip. June 16, 2024. (credit: IDF SPOKESPERSON’S UNIT)Enlrage image
Map of the route in which the humanitarian pause is expected to take place in the Gaza Strip. June 16, 2024. (credit: IDF SPOKESPERSON’S UNIT)
“Unfortunately, this move was not brought before the cabinet and is contrary to its decisions. It’s time to abandon the ‘conception’ [that Hamas can be appeased] and stop this crazy and delusional approach that only brings us more dead and fallen,” Ben Gvir said.

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich said that the announcement was just symptomatic of larger problems in the handling of the war, as he alluded to the failures of Defense Minister Yoav Gallant and IDF Chief of Staff Herzl Halevi, without actually naming them. smc smc smc smc smc smc smc smc smc smc smc smc smc smc smc smc smc smc smc smc smc smc smc smc smc smc smc smc smc smc smc smc smc smc smc smc smc smc smc smc

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