In a notable development, Israel has agreed to a daily four-hour pause in operations in northern Gaza starting Thursday, as announced by the White House. This is the first sign of relief since 7th October that has raised concerns about a potential regional conflict and resulted in thousands of casualties.
The pauses aim to create safe corridors for people to flee, seen as significant initial steps, according to White House national security spokesperson John Kirby. The Israeli assurance involves no military operations in these areas during the pause, with the process commencing immediately.
These pauses, announced three hours in advance, resulted from recent discussions between U.S. and Israeli officials, including talks between U.S. President Joe Biden and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
In the ongoing conflict, Israeli forces continue to engage Hamas militants in the northern Gaza Strip, approaching two major hospitals. The situation for civilians in the besieged Palestinian territory worsens, with thousands fleeing south along a perilous frontline path following Israel’s evacuation advisories.
Despite evacuation orders, many people remain in the north, seeking refuge in hospitals like Al Shifa and al-Quds, where ground battles and Israeli air strikes persist. Israel claims that Hamas has command centers embedded in these hospitals.
In Doha, the heads of the CIA and Israel’s Mossad intelligence agency met with the Prime Minister of Qatar to discuss a potential deal over hostages, with Qatar serving as a mediator with Hamas in the past.
Simultaneously, officials from around 80 countries and organizations convened in Paris to coordinate humanitarian aid for Gaza and explore ways to assist wounded civilians trapped in the two-month-long siege.
Jan Egeland from the Norwegian Refugee Council stressed how important it is to stop the fighting and lift the blockade to save more lives.
The trouble started when Israel reacted to a Hamas attack from Gaza into southern Israel on October 7. This led to many people getting hurt and drew criticism from around the world.
Humanitarian concerns are escalating, with Palestinian officials reporting over 10,800 Gaza residents killed, including about 40% children, as essential supplies dwindle. Both sides report heavy casualties in intense street battles within Gaza City.
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