Palestinians fleeing north Gaza walk towards the south, amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestinian Islamist group Hamas, in the central Gaza Strip, November 9, 2023. REUTERS/Mohammed Salem
Amidst the tumult of conflict in the Gaza Strip, Israel has agreed to a daily four-hour pause in operations in the northern region, signaling a brief respite after over a month of intense fighting. The White House conveyed this development, highlighting it as a significant step. The temporary halts aim to facilitate the evacuation of civilians through two humanitarian corridors.
These pauses, negotiated in recent discussions between U.S. and Israeli officials, emerged from talks between President Joe Biden and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. John Kirby, the White House national security spokesperson, emphasized that there would be no military operations during these designated periods.
The situation on the ground remains dire, with Israeli forces engaging Hamas militants in the north of the Gaza Strip, inching closer to major hospitals. Thousands of Palestinians are fleeing the embattled north, facing perilous journeys, while some remain in the north, seeking refuge in hospitals amid ongoing ground battles and Israeli airstrikes.
Amidst these developments, there are diplomatic efforts underway. 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, mediated by Qatar, which has a history of engagement with Hamas. Additionally, in Paris, representatives from about 80 countries and organizations convened to coordinate humanitarian aid for Gaza and explore ways to assist civilians affected by the prolonged conflict.
The toll on civilians is staggering, with Palestinian officials reporting over 10,800 deaths, 40% of them children, due to air and artillery strikes. The humanitarian crisis is worsening as basic supplies run out, and areas face extensive damage from Israeli bombardments.
As tensions persist and casualties mount, the international community grapples with finding a path towards a ceasefire. The complexity of the situation underscores the urgency of addressing the humanitarian crisis and achieving a lasting resolution to the conflict.
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