Israel Continues to Rebuff US Calls for ‘Humanitarian Pause’

Israel says it has cut off north Gaza from the south and is expected to send troops into Gaza City

The US has nothing to show for its calls for a temporary “pause” in Israel’s onslaught on Gaza as the Israeli military says it’s cut off north Gaza from the south and a new phase of heavy ground fighting is expected.

Secretary of State Antony Blinken was rebuffed when he visited Israel on Friday and called for a “humanitarian pause.” President Biden spoke with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday and discussed the idea of a “tactical pause,” but there’s no sign the Israeli leader agreed.

White House National Security Council spokesman John Kirby said the US was at the “beginning of the conversation” with Israel about the idea of a pause. “So you can expect that we’re going to continue to advocate for temporary, localized pauses in the fighting,” he said.

The Biden administration has refused to use the term “ceasefire,” claiming a stop in Israel’s assault would only benefit Hamas.

Military Situation in Northern Gaza on November 6 (SouthFront.press)

Israeli media has reported that Israeli ground troops are expected to enter Gaza City soon, where they will meet fierce resistance from Hamas and other militant groups. “We’re closing in on them,” said Israeli military spokesman Lt. Col. Richard Hecht. “We’ve completed our encirclement, separating Hamas strongholds in the north from the south.”

According to AP, hundreds of thousands of people are believed to still be in northern Gaza. The Israeli military says there is a one-way evacuation corridor for people to leave, but many are afraid to use the route.

Israeli airstrikes have continued to pound northern Gaza, hitting hospitals, UN shelters, refugee camps, and ambulances in recent days. Israel has also continued to bomb southern Gaza despite telling Palestinians to flee there.

Author: Dave DeCamp

Dave DeCamp is the news editor of Antiwar.com, follow him on Twitter @decampdave.