Israel's military has announced the suspension of mid-day humanitarian aid pauses in Gaza City, declaring the area a “dangerous combat zone” ahead of a planned offensive. The move comes as Israel reportedly prepares to widen its military operations in the city, following recent strikes and the call-up of tens of thousands of reservists.
The “tactical pauses” had been in place from 10 am to 8 pm in Gaza City, Deir al-Balah, and Muwasi, allowing food and aid supplies to reach areas where hundreds of thousands of displaced people are sheltering. The military did not confirm whether residents or aid groups had been notified of the resumption of daytime hostilities.
Israel has long described Gaza City as a Hamas stronghold, with a network of tunnels still used by militants after several large-scale raids. The city also contains critical infrastructure and health facilities. The United Nations said Thursday that the besieged strip could lose half of its hospital bed capacity if Israel invades as planned.
The suspension comes a week after the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) declared that Gaza City was gripped by famine, following months of warnings. The IPC said hunger has been driven by fighting and Israel's blockade on the majority of aid, magnified by widespread displacement and the collapse of food production. The analysis concluded that hunger, starvation, and child malnutrition had surpassed thresholds necessary to declare famine.
The Norwegian Refugee Council, which coordinates a coalition of aid groups active in Gaza, said Israel's preparation for a large-scale ground offensive had already made deliveries challenging. “We have faced unprecedented access and movement restrictions,” spokesperson Shaina Low said Friday. “Intensified military operations are going to further hinder our ability to respond.”
