Israel to Implement Daily Humanitarian Pauses in Northern Gaza

The White House stated Thursday that Israel will begin placing four-hour daily humanitarian pauses on military operations in northern Gaza.

Details: President Joe Biden reportedly asked Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday to implement the pauses. According to National Security Council spokesman John Kirby, the pauses will be announced three hours beforehand, with daily pauses beginning immediately. Kirby stated that the pauses will aid in the continued efforts to release the hostages held by Hamas.

Key Quotes: Newsweek (Center bias) quoted Kirby calling the announcement “a significant step forward in the right direction, including for the protection of civilians.” Some progressive lawmakers pushed back on the four-hour pauses, demanding a permanent end to hostilities. ABC News (Lean Left bias) quoted Rep. Cori Bush (D-MO) stating, “Four hours? We don't want four hours. We don't want 16 hours. We don't want 22. We want a cease-fire now.” The Associated Press (Lean Left bias) quoted Biden stating he asked “for even a longer pause,” but that there was currently “no possibility” of a formal ceasefire. Netanyahu reportedly told Israeli officials this week, “there will be no ceasefire without the release of our hostages.”

How the Media Covered It: Outlets across the spectrum covered the announcement frequently, but it was featured more prominently in left- and center-rated outlets. Coverage from the Associated Press featured multiple sources voicing criticism and warning to Israel, while Fox News (Right bias) included multiple quotes from Netanyahu not seen in most other coverage.