US Secretary of State Antony Blinken revealed that he had discussed the concept of a "humanitarian pause" in Gaza with Prime Minister Netanyahu and other officials during their talks in Tel Aviv. In response, Prime Minister Netanyahu, in a TV statement, stated that Israel rejected a temporary ceasefire unless it included the release of their hostages. Israel continues its military operations against Hamas, with reports of encircling Gaza City and engaging in a challenging urban combat situation.
This US diplomatic initiative coincided with Israel's ongoing offensive against Hamas, which was initiated in response to an attack on September 7, resulting in significant casualties and hostages taken by Hamas fighters. In retaliation, Israel's counterattacks have resulted in a substantial loss of life in Gaza, as reported by the Hamas-run health ministry, with a toll of at least 9,200 people.
Mr. Blinken emphasized that the US believed that humanitarian pauses could facilitate efforts to protect Palestinian civilians and increase aid delivery to Gaza.
"A number of legitimate questions were raised in our discussions today including how to use any period of pause to maximize the flow of humanitarian assistance, how to connect the pause to the release of hostages, how to ensure that Hamas doesn't use these pauses or arrangements to its own advantage," Mr Blinken told a news conference in Tel Aviv.
During his televised address, Mr. Netanyahu stated, "Israel rejects a temporary ceasefire unless it encompasses the release of our hostages."
