As the conflict between Israel and Hamas continues into its second month and the death toll in Gaza continues to rise, humanitarian groups are increasingly calling for a cease-fire. However, leaders of Israel and the U.S., its key ally, do not seem to be swayed by these calls. Israel has been carrying out air and ground strikes in Gaza in an effort to remove Hamas from power, following an attack by militants on Israel in which many people were killed and taken hostage. The Ministry of Health in Gaza has reported that over 10,000 people, mostly women and children, have died in the past four weeks. In response to these alarming numbers, the heads of 18 United Nations agencies issued a joint statement demanding an immediate cease-fire and the release of all civilian hostages. Other world leaders and activists have joined in these pleas, with large protests taking place in various cities around the world. Pope Francis and numerous Arab nations have also called for an immediate cease-fire. Some U.S. lawmakers, including progressive House Democrats and Senator Dick Durbin, have introduced resolutions calling for a cease-fire. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has rejected these calls and emphasized that Israel will continue its operations until its objectives are achieved. The Biden administration, while initially opposing a cease-fire, is now pushing for a humanitarian pause in the conflict. This has involved advising Israel to minimize civilian casualties and facilitate the release of hostages and aid delivery. However, Israel has raised questions about how these pauses would work. President Biden has expressed support for a pause, and one was agreed upon for the release of two American hostages. The U.S. and Israel are currently working on the practicalities of these pauses.