JERUSALEM (NEWSnet/AP) — Israel’s military announced Sunday it will pause fighting throughout daytime hours along a route in southern Gaza to free a backlog of humanitarian aid delivery.

The “tactical pause,” which applies to about seven miles of road in the Rafah area, falls far short of a complete cease-fire.

The army said the pause will begin at 8 a.m. (0500 GMT) and remain in effect until 7 p.m. (1600 GMT). The pause is to take place each day until further notice.

It will allow aid trucks to reach the nearby Israel-controlled Kerem Shalom crossing, the main entry point for incoming aid, and travel to Salah a-Din, a main north-south road, the military said.

COGAT, the military body that oversees aid distribution in Gaza, said the route will increase the flow of aid to other parts of Gaza, including Khan Younis, Muwasi and central Gaza. Northern Gaza is being served by goods entering from a crossing in the north.

The plan came after discussion with United Nations and international aid agencies.

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