Israel Implements Daily Combat Pauses to Ensure Safe Civilian Evacuation, White House Confirms

Israel has agreed to implement daily four-hour pauses in its military operations in selected areas of northern Gaza to allow civilians to flee, according to the White House. The agreement comes after days of pressure from President Biden and aims to minimize civilian casualties. The pauses will also facilitate the delivery of humanitarian supplies and potentially the release of hostages held by Hamas. However, Israeli authorities have emphasized that the pauses are limited in time and area and do not indicate a broader cease-fire. Meanwhile, violence has escalated in the West Bank, with at least 18 Palestinians killed in Israeli military raids in Jenin. The deteriorating conditions in Gaza, including overcrowding, lack of access to water and healthcare, and the spread of infectious diseases, have prompted calls for increased humanitarian aid. French President Emmanuel Macron has convened an aid conference and pledged to increase France's funding for Gaza.