WASHINGTON: Israel has agreed to daily 4-hour humanitarian pauses in the fighting in northern Gaza, National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby confirmed Thursday morning.
Kirby announced that the 4-hour humanitarian pauses will be implemented in northern Gaza from Thursday.
The Israelis have informed the US that there will be no military operations in those areas for the duration of the pauses, and the timing will be announced 3 hours before the pause starts each day, Kirby said.
An Israeli official also confirmed the 4-hour daily pauses, saying it meant to allow people to move to the south of Gaza and retrieve medicine and food.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had said that he might be open to “little pauses” in the war for humanitarian reasons, but has dismissed the idea of a ceasefire.
President Joe Biden told reporters Thursday morning that he has asked Netanyahu for a pause even longer than 3 days for the release of hostages.
Israel under pressure
Israel has been under growing pressure to improve humanitarian conditions for Palestinian civilians in Gaza.
Israel has been carrying out attacks in the Gaza Strip since Hamas launched a surprise assault on Israel on October 7.
