Rishi Sunak calls for ‘specific pauses’ in Israel-Hamas conflict

PM says there needs to be safer environment for aid agencies to help Palestinians but avoids backing total ceasefire

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Rishi Sunak has called for temporary pauses to the fighting in Gaza to allow humanitarian aid to safely reach those without food, water or medicine.

Though he expressly avoided backing the suggestion of a total ceasefire, the prime minister said he recognised there needed to be a “safer environment” for aid agencies to help Palestinians.