The United States confirmed on Thursday that Israel has agreed to permit four-hour humanitarian pauses in northern Gaza, allowing civilians to evacuate to safer areas during the truce windows.
During a press briefing, White House Homeland Security spokesperson John Kirby explained that Israel advised the United States of these pauses, which are set to begin this Thursday. He stressed that there would be no military operations during the pauses and that civilian safety would be the priority. While acknowledging concerns, Kirby noted it is possible Hamas could try to hinder civilian escape, and he urged people to move away from active conflict zones to maximize their protection.
Kirby highlighted that these pauses are intended to facilitate the delivery of humanitarian aid to areas where civilians are relocating, not just to protect those on the move. He recalled that similar pauses in southern Gaza previously enabled thousands to leave and permitted aid convoys to enter, though he emphasized that aid flows must increase to meet demand.
Speaking about the current aid effort, Kirby referenced the Rafah crossing with Egypt and reported that 106 trucks had entered Southern Gaza. He expressed hope that this number would rise rapidly, underscoring the need for steady, reliable aid deliveries to reach those in need as soon as possible.
Kirby outlined a target of about 150 trucks of humanitarian assistance arriving each day. He admitted that there may be days when this pace cannot be sustained, but the goal remains to ensure a robust supply of relief. He asserted that continued aid is essential and insisted that more must be seen soon to alleviate civilian hardship.
In remarks about the nature of the conflict, Kirby stated that Israel is fighting an enemy, Hamas, which is deeply embedded within the civilian population. He said Hamas uses hospitals and civilian infrastructure to shield itself, thereby increasing risk to innocent Palestinians who seek safety. He cautioned that such tactics do not absolve any party of responsibility under international humanitarian law and that all actions should comply with those obligations.
Nonetheless, Kirby reiterated that the humanitarian pauses represent a constructive step forward because they create opportunities for civilians to reach safer locations and enable aid to reach areas that would otherwise be cut off. The spokesman framed the pauses as part of a broader effort to reduce civilian casualties while pursuing security objectives, albeit with an emphasis on accountability and lawful conduct in accordance with international norms.
Observers note that the pauses could offer critical relief relief in the near term, but they also recognize the challenges of coordinating large-scale aid with ongoing military operations. The White House underscored a commitment to continuing dialogue with regional partners and international organizations to improve access and ensure that aid reaches civilians in need, including those who may be displaced or separated from their homes. The emphasis remains on preserving civilian life, providing essential services, and maintaining international law as the guiding framework for actions on the ground, even amid a volatile security situation. The public was urged to monitor official briefings for updates as the situation evolves and to rely on verified information from credible authorities as the humanitarian pause strategy unfolds, with attribution to official sources.