US White House: “Operate two humanitarian corridors”
Prime Minister Netanyahu’s office: “There will be no ceasefire without the release of hostages”
It is unclear whether it will operate properly or be sustainable.
Israel has decided to operate two escape routes to evacuate civilians in the northern Gaza Strip, ruled by Hamas, and to suspend military operations, including airstrikes, for four hours every day. However, Israel drew the line that this was not a ‘formal ceasefire’.
On the 9th (local time), John Kirby, Strategic Communications Coordinator for the U.S. White House National Security Council (NSC), said in an online briefing, “Israel took several potentially important steps today,” and added, “We have delivered two locations to help citizens escape the northern part of the Gaza Strip.” “A cautionary passage will be operated,” he announced. Coordinator Kirby also said, “Israel will suspend military operations in the northern Gaza area for four hours each day,” and added, “Israel will announce the effective time for the suspension of fighting three hours in advance each day.”
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 suspension of the war on humanitarian grounds. US President Biden also answered a related question on the 9th in a phone call with Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu, saying, “I requested a temporary suspension of more than three days.” Israel initially took the position that it would refuse any ceasefire before the hostages were released, but it appears that, under repeated pressure from the United States, it eventually came up with a compromise of a four-hour halt.
However, Prime Minister Netanyahu’s office issued a statement on the 9th, saying, “The fighting will continue, and there will be no ceasefire without the release of our hostages.” It appears that a line has been drawn when trying to interpret this temporary suspension of fighting as a ‘formal ceasefire’. The United States also confirmed that this decision was not a ceasefire. When a reporter asked about the possibility of a formal ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, President Biden said, “There is no.” He dismissed it as “None. No possibility.”
In a situation where civilian casualties are increasing, it has been difficult to secure an escape route and evacuation time, but it is unclear whether this plan will work properly. According to foreign media, Hamas stated that there was no agreement at all with Israel regarding the cessation of fighting. Also, even if implemented properly, it is unclear how long it will last. “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.
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.