Israel-Hamas war: there is an important difference between a humanitarian pause and a ceasefire

• The controversy raises the question of the difference between a humanitarian pause and a ceasefire.
• Israel responded to this attack by launching an assault on Gaza beginning with a relentless aerial bombardment and continuing now with a ground offensive.
• A non-binding resolution passed the UN general assembly on October 27, but this has been ignored by the Israeli government.

A humanitarian pause

• According to the UN, a humanitarian pause is defined as “a temporary cessation of hostilities purely for humanitarian purposes”.
• There is an increasing international consensus, including from countries supporting Israel such as the US, that at least a humanitarian pause is needed.
• Nonetheless, some argue that using a humanitarian pause to provide a temporary halt in the bombing of Gaza is not enough.
• As a result, the only true humanitarian solution that appears ideal is a complete ceasefire.

A ceasefire: roadmap for an end to hostilities

• It urges parties to come together to find a political solution to the conflict.
• It is meant to a be a longer-term process than a “pause” and should apply to the entire geographical area of the conflict.
• In the context of Gaza, a ceasefire would mean a complete stop of fighting on all sides, and the eventual release or exchange of hostages.
• It would not only mean the end of the bombardment of Gaza, but would also obligate Hamas to stop its attacks on Israel.

Malak Benslama-Dabdoub does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.