US Fears Humanitarian Truce Would Allow Journalists Broader Access To Gaza: Report
In the midst of the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, a humanitarian truce was agreed upon, providing a temporary respite from the hostilities in the Gaza Strip. However, a Politico report suggests that this temporary cessation has raised concerns within the Biden administration over potential unintended consequences that may harm the image of Israel and its closest Western allies.
The report said the Biden administration worries the pause might inadvertently grant journalists broader access to Gaza, offering them the opportunity to shed further light on the extent of devastation in the besieged Strip. There is a fear in the White House that increased media coverage could sway public opinion against Israel as the human toll and destruction become more widely documented.
On Wednesday morning, Qatar announced the success of its joint mediation efforts undertaken with Egypt and US between Israel and Hamas, resulting in an agreement for a humanitarian pause. The Qatar foreign affairs ministry said that the starting time of the pause will be announced within the next 24 hours and last for four days, subject to extension.
The agreement includes the release of 50 civilian women and children hostages currently held in the Gaza Strip in exchange for the release of a number of Palestinian women and children detained in Israeli prisons, the number of those released will be increased in later stages of implementing the agreement, the statement from the ministry said.
Some reports have said the number of Palestinians to be released is 150.
The humanitarian pause is expected to allow the entry of a larger number of humanitarian convoys and relief aid, including fuel designated for humanitarian needs.
“The State of Qatar affirms its commitment to ongoing diplomatic efforts to de-escalate tensions, stop the bloodshed, and protect civilians. In this regard, the State of Qatar appreciates the efforts of the Arab Republic of Egypt and the United States of America in reaching this agreement,” the statement said.
More than 13,000 Palestinians have been killed in Israeli attacks since October 7, after a surprise attack by Hamas that killed more 1,200 and resulted in a hostage situation.
