Aid convoys have begun entering the Gaza Strip from Egypt, following Israel's announcement of a temporary “tactical pause” in parts of the war-torn enclave to allow the delivery of humanitarian assistance.

AFPTV footage captured on Sunday showed long lines of trucks moving through the Egyptian side of the Rafah crossing, loaded with humanitarian supplies, including food and water.

Some of the trucks bore the logos of the Egyptian Red Crescent and the United Arab Emirates, with banners reading: “United Arab Emirates Humanitarian Aid to Gaza Water Support Projects in Gaza.”

Egyptian state-affiliated media had earlier confirmed the movement of the convoys, sharing footage of trucks preparing to enter Gaza.

However, due to the Israeli military's control and damage to the Palestinian side of the Rafah crossing seized in 2023 aid trucks are unable to pass through directly.

Instead, they must detour to the nearby Kerem Shalom (Karam Abu Salem) crossing, controlled by Israel, where inspections are conducted before entry into southern Gaza.

The Israeli military said the tactical pause, operational daily from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., would apply to specific areas where its troops are not actively engaged, including Al-Mawasi, Deir el-Balah, and parts of Gaza City.

Secure routes have reportedly been opened to allow the movement of UN and other humanitarian convoys.

The development comes as global pressure mounts over the worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where starvation and malnutrition are taking a heavy toll on civilians.

International calls for sustained aid access have intensified following deadly incidents near food distribution points and rising civilian casualties.

In recent days, Israel, the United Arab Emirates, and the United Kingdom have resorted to air-dropping food aid into Gaza. But humanitarian experts have expressed deep concern over the method.

UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini has described airdrops as “expensive, inefficient, and potentially fatal,” warning they are no substitute for a coordinated and secure aid corridor.

Israel continues to deny claims it is blocking aid into the territory, accusing some UN agencies of failing to distribute supplies that have already entered. Relief organizations, however, point to restrictions, insecurity, and damaged infrastructure as key obstacles to effective delivery.

Meanwhile, the human cost of the ongoing conflict continues to rise. On Saturday alone, Gaza’s civil defense agency reported that more than 50 Palestinians were killed in Israeli strikes and shootings, including some who were reportedly waiting for food assistance.