Israel will announce pauses in north Gaza 'three hours in advance'

The White House said on Thursday that an announcement of four-hour pauses in hostilities in northern Gaza emerged after discussions between US and Israeli officials, including talks between US President Joe Biden and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

"We've been told by the Israelis that there will be no military operations in these areas over the duration of the pause, and that this process is starting today," White House national security spokesperson John Kirby said.

Kirby added that Israel would announce the pauses three hours in advance. 

"We think these are significant first steps here and obviously we want to see them continued for as long as they are needed," he said.