Israel has agreed to start daily four-hour “pauses” in the fighting in Northern Gaza, according to US National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby.
Israel has committed to giving at least three hours’ notice before announcing each window.
The first pause is set to be announced on Thursday and no military operations will take place during those times.
Kirby stated, “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,”
The move followed discussions between President Biden and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
The announcement of daily four-hour “pauses” in the fighting in Northern Gaza followed weeks of intense conflict between Israel and Hamas, which control Gaza.
The fighting had escalated after disturbances and violence between Palestinians and Israeli police around the Al-Aqsa mosque, leading to Hamas firing rockets towards Israel.
Israel responded with widespread airstrikes and artillery fire. Despite calls for a ceasefire from the international community, the fighting continued, with casualties on both sides.
The humanitarian situation in Gaza became increasingly dire, with shortages of water, food, and medicine, and the displacement of thousands of people from their homes.
Biden had requested a pause longer than three days, but ruled out a general ceasefire.
However, Israel said it has not agreed to any ceasefires, but will continue to allow brief, localised pauses for humanitarian aid.
Israel army spokesman Lt. Col. Richard Hecht said “There’s no ceasefire, I repeat there’s no ceasefire. What we are doing, that four-hour window, these are tactical, local pauses for humanitarian aid.”
