Israel has declared Gaza City a combat zone and ended humanitarian pauses. [Photo Sources: File Photo/AFP]
Israel has launched a massive onslaught by declaring Gaza City a fighting zone and ending humanitarian pauses. The decision comes after military operations in the city were stepped up after the bodies of two hostages were recovered. As evacuations continue to slow, aid organizations warn of starvation, failing hospitals, and increasing suffering among residents.
Despite Israeli calls for evacuation, many Gazans remain stranded without a secure means of escape. In addition to contributing to the region's already fragile stability, the action could exacerbate the humanitarian crisis.
On Friday, Israel announced Gaza City as a dangerous combat zone and said its military was in the “initial stages” of a planned offensive. The army also suspended daily pauses that allowed food and aid deliveries between 10 AM and 8 PM.
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Military spokesperson Avichay Adraee said, “We will intensify our strikes until we bring back all the kidnapped hostages and dismantle Hamas.” The decision means around-the-clock fighting is expected, putting hundreds of thousands of displaced Palestinians at greater risk.
Despite the announcement, aid organizations and a church sheltering hundreds said they would remain. The Holy Family Church of Gaza City, where 440 people are staying, said they will not leave.
“When we feel danger, people get closer to the walls or whatever, it’s more protected,” said Farid Jubran from the church. The United Nations also said its staff and NGOs would stay, warning the move could have a “horrific impact” on people already suffering from hunger, displacement, and lack of medical care.
The offensive comes just a week after a global food authority declared that Gaza City is already in famine. The UN warned that half of Gaza’s hospital bed capacity could be lost if Israel widens its offensive.
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Israel has long said Gaza City is a Hamas stronghold, with militants using underground tunnels. The city also contains key health facilities and infrastructure, making the new assault especially concerning for aid agencies.
Alongside the military escalation, Israel said it had recovered the bodies of two hostages. One of them was Ilan Weiss, who was kidnapped during the October 7, 2023, Hamas-led attack.
PM Benjamin Netanyahu said, “The campaign to return the hostages continues. We will not rest or be silent until we return all of our hostages home — both the living and the dead.”
Of the 251 hostages taken, Israel believes about 20 are still alive inside Gaza. Families of the hostages urged the government to prioritize negotiations, saying, “Time is running out for the hostages. Time is running out for the people of Israel who carry this burden.”
Israel’s suspension of tactical pauses signals the beginning of a more aggressive campaign in Gaza City. With aid groups refusing to leave and civilians trapped, fears are growing of a worsening humanitarian disaster.
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The UN and NGOs say the next stage of fighting could devastate a population already exhausted, malnourished, and desperate for safety.
