The New York Times said that the administration of US President Joe Biden is trying to employ the humanitarian truce in Gaza in order to push the Israeli government to establish safe zones in the south of the Gaza Strip.

The newspaper quoted American officials as saying that pressure is being exerted on Israel to extend the ceasefire beyond the end of the week, if there is an opportunity to release more detainees in Gaza.

The newspaper said that Washington is seeking to persuade Israel to take broad measures aimed at reducing harm to civilians, including allowing the entry of more aid and fuel and restoring basic services such as water and electricity.

The New York Times quoted American officials as saying that the significant increase in the number of casualties in the war on Gaza led to escalating criticism against Israel and undermined popular support for Israel in the United States.

It added, "Concern is growing over the expected Israeli military attack on the southern Gaza Strip, and Israel has been informed that it will lead to significant civilian casualties and will increase Israel's isolation in world public opinion, including among its Arab neighbors."

The State of Qatar announced - at dawn on Wednesday - the success of joint mediation efforts with Egypt and the United States between Israel and the Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas), as it resulted in reaching an agreement on a humanitarian truce in the Gaza Strip that will last for 4 days and can be extended.

The agreement includes the exchange of 50 civilian women and children prisoners in the Gaza Strip in the first phase, in exchange for the release of a number of Palestinian women and children detained in Israeli prisons. The truce will also allow the entry of a larger number of humanitarian convoys and relief aid, including fuel designated for humanitarian needs.

Source: New York Times