US White House: Israel operates two escape routes from northern Gaza
Israel was skeptical of suspension, but eventually accepted under U.S. pressure
It is unclear how long it will last… “I want it to continue”
The U.S. White House announced on the 9th (local time) that Israel will operate two humanitarian passageways for civilians in the northern Gaza Strip and will suspend military operations, including airstrikes, for four hours each day.
Israel was initially skeptical about stopping the war, saying it refused any ceasefire before the hostages were released, but it appears that it eventually came up with a compromise due to repeated pressure from the United States.
John Kirby, strategic communications coordinator for the White House National Security Council (NSC), said in an online briefing that day, “Israel took several potentially important steps today,” and added, “Two humanitarian corridors will be operated to help citizens escape the northern Gaza Strip.” “He said.
“The first route has been open for four to five hours over the past few days, allowing thousands of people to get out of the main operational area and into safer areas in the south,” Kirby said. “The second route along the coast will also allow thousands more to reach the south.” explained.
Israel is said to have decided to accept the temporary suspension of war on humanitarian grounds requested by the United States.
Coordinator Kirby said, “Regarding the issue of temporary suspension, Israel will implement it in northern Gaza for four hours every day,” adding, “It will be announced three hours in advance.”
He added, “I heard from the Israeli side that there will be no military operations while the suspension is in progress, and this will begin today.”
“Israel has made its own decisions,” Kirby said. “Israel has an obligation to comply with international law, and we believe this temporary suspension is a step in the right direction to help civilians reach safe areas.”
The United States believes that the temporary suspension of operations will allow residents of northern Gaza to evacuate safely and buy time for trucks carrying relief supplies to enter. Above all, he emphasizes that it can be used to help hostages held by Hamas safely escape the area.
“It will give the detained hostages a chance to escape safely,” Kirby said. “It is an additional effort to give the (Palestinian) people breathing space for a few hours as Israel continues its operation against Hamas leaders in northern Gaza.” explained.
However, it is unclear how long this cessation of war will continue.
“Obviously we want this to continue for as long as people need it, but we can’t give an exact date on whether Israel will stop this or how long it will continue,” Kirby said.
However, he said, “I believe that the current ceasefire is not appropriate. “Only Hamas benefits from the ceasefire,” he emphasized.
As damage to the Gaza Strip increased rapidly due to Israel’s Hamas attacks, the United States has been pressuring Israel to call for a temporary and localized suspension of the war on humanitarian grounds.
Secretary of State Tony Blinken visited Israel in person on the 3rd to convey his position, and on the 6th, President Joe Biden spoke directly with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Prime Minister Netanyahu took a firm stance after the Secretary Blinken meeting, saying there would be no truce before the release of the hostages, but after the phone call with President Biden, he took a step back, saying he could consider suspending tactical operations.
There were also reports that President Biden requested a cessation of war for three days in a phone call. Considering this, it appears that Israel came up with a 4-hour suspension as a compromise.
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Source: Donga
Mark Jones is a world traveler and journalist for News Rebeat. With a curious mind and a love of adventure, Mark brings a unique perspective to the latest global events and provides in-depth and thought-provoking coverage of the world at large.