(Communicated by COGAT - Coordination of Government Activities in the Territories, Ministry of Defense)
Following the decision of the Israeli political echelon, as of today (Wednesday, 7 January 2009) the IDF will refrain from fire throughout Gaza City for a period of three hours, in order to enable a "humanitarian respite" for the people within the area of operation. This activity is scheduled to be implemented on a daily basis. During this time, the Palestinians will be able to acquire basic necessities, replenish stock and seek aid from the various international organizations operating within the Gaza Strip. Today, Wednesday, the IDF will halt all fire in Gaza City from 13:00-16:00 (1:00-4:00 pm).
The second component of the humanitarian effort will enable approximately 80 trucks carrying medicine, medical supplies and basic food commodities to pass into Gaza via the Kerem Shalom crossing and approximately half a million liters of heavy duty diesel are scheduled to pass through the Nahal Oz terminal, as well as 60,000 liters of fuel to be transferred for the first time by truck via the Kerem Shalom crossing.
Accesses and movement during the humanitarian recess in operations:
Since January 7, 2009, the IDF is implementing a humanitarian recess for three hours on a daily basis, in accordance with the needs and the security situation in the area.
During this period of time:
- The international organizations distributed humanitarian equipment and food in distribution centers for the civilian population.
- Funerals were conducted.
- Medical movement was coordinated.
- Movements of international organization representatives were coordinated (for example, supplies to a school in Beit Hanoun that provides shelter, food supplies to the warehouses in northern Gaza).