Following calls from US officials for a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, Israel has agreed to a 4-hour daily pause in fighting. Fox’s Chris Welch is in the studio to discuss the implications for hostage negotiations. It is uncertain at this point what this pause means for the negotiations. President Joe Biden would ideally like to see a pause of three days or longer to facilitate negotiations for the release of hostages.
However, both Israeli and US officials emphasize that this does not signify a formal ceasefire. Israel has only agreed to a temporary pause in its assault on Hamas in Northern Gaza.
The White House states that each 4-hour window will be announced at least 3 hours in advance, providing an opportunity for civilians to flee the region. There will be two humanitarian corridors to allow people to escape the hostilities in the northern part of Gaza. It is crucial to expand humanitarian assistance in these areas. Thursday’s announcement appears to be an effort to formalize and expand the process of these short-term pauses, as the United States urges Israel to take more measures to protect civilians in Gaza.
The IDF has moved its ground forces deeper into dense urban areas, killing dozens of terrorists, including the head of Hamas’s anti-tank missile unit. Approximately 50,000 Palestinians have been evacuated to the southern Gaza Strip.
Israel claims to be taking precautions to minimize civilian casualties. The UN Secretary-General has once again called for a ceasefire at a Gaza peace forum. Some life-saving aid is starting to reach Gaza, but the needs are enormous. Immediate humanitarian action is required to assist and protect civilians in Gaza.
President Biden has also reemphasized his commitment to the.
