Biden said the truces were a "step in the right direction" and would help "move civilians to safer areas away from active fighting." He also said that Israel makes its own decisions, but that it has a commitment to distinguish between terrorists and civilians, and to fully comply with international law.
The truces will be in place for four hours each day in northern Gaza, with a three-hour warning given. The White House said the truces were reached during Secretary of State Antony Blinken's visit to Israel on Friday, followed by days of finalizing the details.
Israeli army spokesman Richard Hecht appeared to downplay the importance of the truces, telling reporters that they were not a shift in Israeli policy and were simply "tactical and local temporary pauses in humanitarian aid."
However, the truces are a welcome development for civilians in Gaza, who have been caught in the crossfire of the fighting between Israel and Hamas. The truces will allow them to leave dangerous areas and seek safety, and will also allow more aid to reach those in need.
