Israel rejects allies' plea for Gaza assault pause, as humanitarian crisis worsens

Israel is rejecting calls for a humanitarian pause in the Gaza assault, despite pressure from its closest allies in the West. Major powers have called on Israel to allow temporary stops to the bombardment to provide aid and release Israeli hostages held by Hamas. This has led to the first public split between Israel and its backers, including the United States, the EU, UK, and other G7 members. 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, a respite from the hostilities seems distant as Israel intensifies ground and air operations.