Israel has agreed to humanitarian “pauses” in its offensive on Hamas in Gaza after pressure from the United States, President Joe Biden has said, adding that they were a “step in the right direction” that would help civilians flee the fighting and get more aid into stricken areas.

“For weeks, I’ve been speaking with Israel’s leaders about the importance of humanitarian pauses,” Biden said on X, formerly Twitter.

“As of today, there will be two humanitarian passages that will allow people to flee hostile areas in Gaza. And they’ve already enabled thousands to reach safety.”

He added: “These pauses will help get civilians to safer areas away from active fighting. They are a step in the right direction.”