Israel agrees to 4-hour daily pauses in Gaza fighting to allow civilians to flee, White House says

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The White House has confirmed that Israel will implement a four-hour halt to its operations in northern Gaza each day beginning Thursday to allow civilians to evacuate, following requests from President Joe Biden for a multi-day cessation of hostilities to facilitate the release of hostages held by Hamas.

President Biden has acknowledged the current impossibility of a formal ceasefire, expressing that achieving Israel’s agreement for humanitarian intervals had been more prolonged than anticipated. Biden had urged Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to consider these daily reprieves in a discussion on Monday and proposed a more extended pause of at least three days to progress negotiations for the release of hostages by Hamas.

John Kirby, National Security Council spokesperson, stated that these humanitarian pauses would be made public each day, with a three-hour notice before commencement. Additionally, Israel is creating an additional evacuation route for civilians, adding to the main north-south highway with a coastal path.

While similar temporary cessations have been employed previously, leading to the displacement of thousands heading south, the new announcement marks a more systematic and expanded approach, as the United States pressures Israel to heighten civilian protection measures in Gaza.

In a broader diplomatic effort, President Biden is advocating for a lengthier pause to facilitate the liberation of individuals seized by Hamas and other factions in their surprise onslaught on Israel on October 7.

Israeli authorities have tallied 239 hostages captured during the attack, which resulted in 1,400 Israeli fatalities. The U.S. has confirmed that less than ten Americans are among those captured. Kirby emphasized the utility of these pauses in ensuring the safe return of all hostages, including the Americans.

In Qatar, which had a role in a previous hostage release by Hamas, indirect negotiations are underway for a broader hostage release. CIA Director William Burns was in Doha for talks with the Qatari prime minister and the Mossad chief about freeing those held in Gaza, as reported by an anonymous U.S. official to The Big Big News.

Qatar often acts as an intermediary with Hamas, housing some of the group’s political leaders. The U.S. official noted that while Burns was present, he was not leading the negotiations.

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has cautioned Israel that its continued offensive in Gaza against Hamas could undermine any chance for future peace unless it promptly improves conditions for Palestinian civilians.

French President Emmanuel Macron, hosting a Gaza aid conference, urged Israel to observe civilian protection standards, underscoring the universal value of life and the necessity of rules in counterterrorism efforts.

Representatives from the U.S. Department of State, including Uzra Zeya, David Satterfield, and Sarah Charles from USAID, attended the conference in Paris, from which Israel was notably absent. Kirby did not comment on France’s decision to exclude Israel from the discussions, focusing instead on the goal of productive dialogue at the conference.

This report is a compilation of contributions from AP journalists Ellen Knickmeyer, Colleen Long, and Michelle Price in Washington.

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More about Israel-Gaza humanitarian pause

• White House Announces Humanitarian Pause in Gaza
• President Biden’s Efforts on Gaza Ceasefire
• Israel’s Response to Humanitarian Ceasefire Requests
• CIA Director’s Visit to Qatar for Hostage Negotiations
• Secretary of State Blinken’s Warning to Israel
• French President Macron’s Appeal at Gaza Aid Conference
• USAID’s Role in Gaza Humanitarian Assistance