White House Urges Israel to Seek Pause in Gaza War, Reports Reuters

Washington Presses for Humanitarian Pause in Gaza Conflict

The White House has urged Israel to consider implementing a pause in the ongoing Gaza conflict to facilitate the release of hostages held by Hamas and to enhance the delivery of humanitarian aid to Palestinian civilians.

John Kirby, the national security spokesperson for the White House, informed reporters that progress has been made in negotiations regarding a humanitarian pause; however, he emphasized that additional efforts are necessary.

“We continue to support an extended humanitarian pause,” Kirby stated.

This announcement comes on the heels of a recent phone conversation between U.S. President Joe Biden and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, during which Biden advised that any military operation in Rafah should not proceed without measures to ensure the protection of civilians in the area.

Kirby expressed approval of the Israeli military’s recent successful operation, which resulted in the release of two hostages during a raid by special forces in Rafah, located in southern Gaza.

He reiterated that the crisis in Gaza cannot be resolved until Hamas releases all hostages.