Israel Agrees to Daily 4-Hour Ceasefire for Civilian Evacuation (Comprehensive)

Netanyahu "Humanitarian Ceasefire"
Firmly States No Truce Talks Before Hostage Release

The Israeli government officially announced that it has reached an agreement with the United States to halt hostilities for four hours daily in northern Gaza to help civilians escape. However, it emphasized that this temporary ceasefire is purely for humanitarian reasons and that there will be no ceasefire negotiations before the release of hostages, leaving the effectiveness uncertain. The conflict between Israel and the Palestinian armed group Hamas has exceeded one month, with civilian deaths surpassing 10,000 and continuing to rise.

[Image source=AFP Yonhap News]

According to the Times of Israel on the 9th (local time), Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in an interview with Fox News, "We want civilians to be able to move safely out of combat zones, and we are doing so," confirming agreement to the U.S. government's proposal to halt hostilities for four hours daily.

Earlier, John Kirby, Coordinator for Strategic Communications at the White House National Security Council (NSC), stated in an online briefing, "We have heard from Israel that there will be no military operations in the area during the (hostility) pause," adding, "Israel's four-hour daily ceasefire in northern Gaza will begin today, and Israel will announce the timing of the ceasefire three hours in advance each day."

However, Prime Minister Netanyahu drew a line, saying that long-term ceasefire negotiations will not take place. He reiterated, "Israel will not agree to a long-term ceasefire until the hostages are released." Accordingly, while civilians in northern Gaza evacuate, fighting is expected to continue in other areas near Hamas and combat zones.

The U.S. government welcomed the humanitarian temporary ceasefire for civilian evacuation but plans to continue requesting Israel to extend the ceasefire beyond three days. At a press conference, President Biden was asked if he had requested a three-day ceasefire from Prime Minister Netanyahu. He replied, "I have requested a ceasefire longer than three days." When asked if he felt frustrated with Netanyahu for not accepting the request, he said, "It is taking longer than I had hoped."

Meanwhile, as the conflict between Israel and Hamas shows signs of prolonging, the cumulative death toll in Gaza has exceeded 10,000, with civilian casualties continuing to grow. Concerns have been raised in U.S. political circles that the actual death toll may be much higher.

According to The Hill, Barbara Leaf, U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs, testified at a House Foreign Affairs Committee hearing the previous day, warning, "The number of deaths in Gaza may be much higher than the currently cited figures," adding, "The Gaza Health Ministry does not distinguish between combatants and civilians in its death toll, and Hamas is using residents as human shields, which will worsen civilian casualties."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.