White House-Israel Agrees To 4Hr Humanitarian Pauses A Day In N Gaza

Wires reporting comments from White House National Security Council coordinator John Kirby states that "Israel will being to implement four hour pauses in northern Gaza each day....We've been told by the Israelis that there will be no military operations in these areas over the duration of the pause, and that this process is starting today." Kirby states that "We believe these pauses are step in right direction."

• Kirby "Two humanitarian corridors will allow people to flee hostilities in Gaza". Says that the "US remains concerned Hamas will prevent people from fleeing". Kirby: "We need to see more trucks into Gaza soon.", adding that "The US aims for not less than 150 humanitarian trucks a day into Gaza."
• The agreement to such pauses is a notable step, but does not necessarily indicate that any lasting ceasefire will be implemented, with Israeli forces heavily involved in fighting Hamas in and around Gaza City.
• Nevertheless, the pauses are likely to be welcomed by the US and other backers of Israel, many of whom have urged caution on behalf of the Netanyahu gov't, having come under increasing domestic pressure amid mounting civilian casualties.