The United States says Israel has agreed to begin daily four-hour pauses in fighting in northern Gaza.

According to a report from Al Jazeera, the White House has described the move, which can allow civilians to flee, as a step in the right direction.

US National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby added that Israel had committed to announcing each pause at least three hours in advance.

Meanwhile, Israel has said the move is not a ceasefire but tactical pauses to let in humanitarian aid.

BBC News also reported on the situation.

It said a UN spokesperson believes any halt to fighting between Israel and Hamas in the Gaza Strip for humanitarian purposes would ideally need to be coordinated with the United Nations.