‘Humanitarian Pause’

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Context

• Qatar announced the success of mediation efforts between Israel and Hamas, resulting in an agreement for a humanitarian pause.

What is a ‘Humanitarian Pause’?

• The United Nations defines a “humanitarian pause” as a “temporary cessation of hostilities purely for humanitarian purposes”.
• Such pauses are usually limited to a defined period, and to a specific area where the humanitarian activities are to be carried out.
• A pause is usually defined for a specific period and for specific geographic areas. However, there is no standardized approach.

How does it differ from a ceasefire?

• Unlike a ceasefire, these “humanitarian pauses” deliver only short and temporary stoppages in fighting, agreed to by just one side in the conflict.
• While there is no official legal definition of a ceasefire, it would normally be considered a longer suspension of the hostilities agreed by both warring parties in a signed document.