US to demand short-term "pauses" from Israel in war with Hamas – NYT

Friday, 3 November 2023, 01:38

Antony Blinken, US Secretary of State, will urge the Israeli government to agree to a series of short-term cessations of military operations in the Gaza Strip to ensure the release of hostages and the distribution of humanitarian aid.

Source: The New York Times

Details: What US officials are calling "humanitarian pauses" is one of several issues Blinken will raise with Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu and other officials in Israel on Friday.

Speaking to journalists before boarding a plane for the Middle East, Blinken said part of his mission would be to help ensure the protection of civilians in Gaza Strip during the time of war.

White House officials stressed that the request for a pause is far different from a general ceasefire, which, the Biden administration believes, will benefit Hamas and allow it to recover from intense Israeli bombardments.

Background:

On 2 November, the second Israeli air strike in two days on the Jabalia refugee camp in the Gaza Strip claimed the lives of at least 80 people.

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