Four Hour Pause

White House National Security spokesperson John Kirby informed reporters today that Israel has agreed to implement a daily four-hour humanitarian pause, which includes a three-hour advance notice period before each pause. This humanitarian pause was the result of discussions between President Biden and Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and it aligns with Secretary of State Blinken's advocacy for such measures not only with Israel but also with regional allies during recent high-level talks. It's important to note that the Israeli Defense Force (IDF) clarified that this initiative does not constitute a ceasefire. Prime Minister Netanyahu rejected the idea of a ceasefire without the release of Israeli hostages held by Hamas. The IDF has described these pauses as "tactical, local, and for humanitarian" purposes, primarily aimed at allowing civilians to relocate to safer areas in the South for assistance and protection.

However, there have been reports of continued bombardments in the South and in the vicinity of the Rafah Crossing, where relief efforts are underway, coordinated by the United Nations and the local Red Cross chapter, including the Palestinian Red Crescent Society.