Israel-Hamas War: What's The Difference Between A Ceasefire And A Humanitarian Pause?

A protester holds a 'Ceasefire now' placard during the demonstration in London.As the Israel-Hamas war rages on, the international community’s call for some form of intervention for the Palestinian territory of Gaza is getting louder.But, some are pleading for a ceasefire; others pressing for a humanitarian pause. So what’s the difference – and what would each one mean for the war?What is a ceasefire?The website for the Peace Agreements Database describes ceasefire as the antonym of the military phrase, “open fire”. It’s a long-term “cessation of hostilities” according to the United Nations’ website.It’s seen as a crucial part of the peace process, and usually indicates a willingness from both parties to end all hostilities and violence.It can be a verbal or written agreement, with public or secret terms, and is sometimes initiated by a third party mediator. What is a humanitarian pause? The UN defines this as a “temporary cessation of hostilities” so humanitarian aid can be taken into