Israel has agreed to implement daily four-hour humanitarian pauses in the ongoing conflict in northern Gaza, as announced by the White House. This move is seen as a step in the right direction to address the humanitarian crisis in the region.
US National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby confirmed that the first humanitarian pause would be officially announced on Thursday. Furthermore, Israel has committed to providing at least three hours’ notice before each four-hour window begins. During these pauses, Israel has pledged to refrain from military operations in the designated areas.
While US President Joe Biden had initially requested a longer ceasefire during negotiations involving the release of captives held by the Palestinian group Hamas, he ruled out the possibility of a general ceasefire. Kirby emphasized that there would be no ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, as it could legitimize Hamas’s actions on October 7, a stance the US is not currently willing to support.
The primary purpose of these humanitarian pauses is to facilitate the potential release of captives held by Hamas and to allow the delivery of essential medical and food supplies into Gaza. It will also enable individuals with dual nationality living in Gaza to leave the area. The United States has additionally expressed its intention to send 150 aid trucks to Gaza on a daily basis.
The ongoing conflict, which began on October 7, has resulted in a devastating toll. At least 10,812 Palestinians have lost their lives due to Israeli attacks on Gaza, while the death toll in Israel over the same period has exceeded 1,400.
While these humanitarian pauses represent a positive step, some experts argue that they do not offer a long-term solution. Abdel Hamid Siyam, a Middle East expert at Rutgers University, pointed out that what is truly needed is a comprehensive ceasefire to ensure uninterrupted humanitarian aid delivery, the safe departure of foreign nationals, and the possibility of negotiations. He expressed skepticism about the effectiveness of short four-hour pauses in addressing these urgent needs.
Pressure is mounting on Israel to agree to a more extensive ceasefire in the coming days, and indirect talks are underway in Qatar, involving discussions about the potential release of hostages. The CIA Director, William Burns, visited Doha to engage in efforts to secure the release of hostages held in Gaza, holding discussions with the Qatari prime minister and the head of Israel’s Mossad intelligence agency. Qatar, with its history of mediating international dealings with Hamas, plays a pivotal role in these negotiations.
