Israel rejects allies' plea for ceasefire, as EU calls for humanitarian pauses in Gaza assault

Israel is rejecting calls for a humanitarian pause in the Gaza conflict, despite growing international pressure from its closest allies. Major powers, including the United States, the EU, UK, and other G7 members, have called for temporary stops to the bombardment to allow aid in and hostages held by Hamas out. However, Israel argues that a pause would benefit Hamas and divert aid to its fighters. Efforts are underway to urge Israel to allow some form of pause, but for now, the hostilities continue to intensify.